Remember the last time you messed up at home, work, school, in a relationship, with friends? Imagine what would have happened if you had not been forgiven? Now, think about the reverse: when you have been wronged in any of those instances, what would've happened if you had not forgiven? Restoration and progress would never have taken place if forgiveness had not been received or given. Forgiveness is key to mending relationships and restoring confidence in moving forward. While it is not easy... it is still better for you.
FORGIVENESS IS NOT A ONE TIME DEAL so you need to continuously walk in forgiveness. "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18: 21-22 NIV) Without forgiveness, you will always be stuck in a rut--even when others have moved forward with their lives. Forgiveness is key because it gives access to freedom to be yourself again and not walk in fear or frustration. Forgiveness gives you the power to love again. Forgiveness takes away the enemy's stronghold over your life in destroying your relationships and always keeping you on edge or frustrated, not able to live life in peace.
Forgiveness is key to activating change in the trajectory (path) of your life--whether you are doing the forgiving or receiving the forgiveness. IT is the key to initiating the process of healing which is often the next step after forgiveness takes place. Forgiveness is key to not walking away from a situation that you actually need to stick around for. Forgiveness is key to helping you let go of baggage that would otherwise weigh you don't continuously--even without you realizing it.
One of the keys to forgiveness is to start with yourself--because Jesus already forgave you--once and for all. Once you truly forgive yourself, you choose to forgive others. As the Word of God reminds us: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:31-32, NIV) With forgiveness, it is important to acknowledge the issue and if you are in the wrong, be humble to admit it and seek forgiveness. Note: FORGIVENESS CAN'T BE FORCED... but it is very necessary for restoration. May today be a celebration of forgiveness if there is anything outstanding that needs to be forgiven. Be reconciled.
