#Wordfortheweek Week 8 #Forgiveness

Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21,22 NKJV

There is something so amazingly beautiful about forgiveness. It frees you from hatred, sorrow, pain and regression. 

In life people will hurt us, we also will knowingly or not hurt others. Offence is inevitable because we were created with differences that makes us unique and set us apart.

In my short life, I have experienced joy unspeakable, likewise excruciating emotional pain. I have come to realise that many of life’s lessons are usually in one’s experiences of joy and pain.

The word of Elohim has so much to say about forgiveness. We learn the act of forgiveness from Jehovah Himself, that whilst we were yet sinners, cut off from Him He forgave us by sending His Son to pay the price of sin – death for us. If He were to keep remembering our sins, no-one would be saved. We also learnt that it is a command from Jehovah to forgive those who trespass against us.

The act of forgiveness from my experience is the most basic act of humility after repentance of sin. Forgiving someone takes humility – to overlook, to accept, to let go and let God.

Some pains are so deep and so cutting that they would never be completely healed, and some would leave permanent scars that brings reminders. The challenge is whether we let our life revolve around the pain and reminders. Or we let go and let God.

It is only God that gives us the ability to forgive. And with forgiveness comes peace. You can see and move beyond the pain.

Forgiveness is a conscious decision. You might still feel pain and hurt. But making that decision to forgive is the axe needed to dismantle the stone of offence in your heart. Forgiveness will not happen without your decision to forgive.

Forgiveness is a journey. It might not happen instantly or overnight. You will take three steps forward and two steps back. Do not worry, you have moved forward one step from where you were before. Keep going.

A wonderful sister taught me years ago, that when someone offends her, she prays for them. At the time I was hurt but I took that step to pray for them, even in the hurt. Praying for those who hurt us is like pouring hot water on grease, it melts away the greasy offence clinging to our heart.

Forgiveness is a command from the Lord. It takes a humble decision to forgive, courage to let go and faith to pray for those who have offended us. The result is a heart full of peace and joy and love. Make that decision today.

#Prayerfortheweek

Almighty Father, thank You for the gift of my life and salvation. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971). Amen.

I pray that this inspires you to reflect on your relationship with Elohim and be determined to be more and do more for Him in 2020. 

#AdeolaAkintoye©

#ajourneytospiritualmaturity2020