As we near Christmas and are especially concerned with giving good gifts, there may be opportunities to forgive. Our greatest Gift Giver God forgave us, and so much so He gave His Son to us to be born in a manger, teach us about God Heavenly Father, and to give His Son to die on a cruel cross for our salvation. Out of God's Love His Son is Resurrected. Resurrection means forgiveness.
Whether a friend has wronged us, a family member did not act like family toward us, or a spouse just plain said the words we did not need to hear-- we are to forgive. When we do not forgive others then we may not be able to love as Jesus commanded us. Folks who are unforgiving become bitter. Jesus cleans up unforgiveness and bitterness may be avoided.
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will clean up our hearts and minds. Unworthy as we are, He does the cleaning even though we do not deserve it. He forgives us our times of unforgiveness. He loves tremendously. And because of His love, Jesus died so that you and I may forgive, and do it quickly, with His help. We cannot do this on our own. Jesus always helps when we ask.
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you. Psalm 86:5
To God be the Glory!
Rev. Patricia E. Walker, AlphaChurch.org
(pastor's note: in instances of recovery from sexual abuse, forgiveness is not included in the above because forgiveness may take an unspecified time, years.)