...however as a Christian who is finally investing more time in strengthening her faith, it is my job to share what I'm receiving when I read the Word.
Recently I came across The Beatitudes in the Book of Matthew, which is basically a litany on how to achieve righteousness. And one of the topics that stood out to me the most was the act of forgiveness. In Matthew 6:14-15 it specifically states: "If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Also in Chapter 5 he discusses the need to settle matters with your adversary as quickly as possible.
So after reading that I thought about the growing list of people in my life that I have cut off and shunned over the years because they have done me wrong; from friends that have disrespected me, family that have shown me no love or care to acknowledge my existence, ex's that have shattered my heart, etc. And once upon a time I considered myself a very forgiving person but what I noticed that I was doing was that although I was forgiving people, it was unbeknownst to them. I would say to myself, "I forgive them and will even pray for them from time to time, but I won't go out of my way to reach out to them. If they come to me, I will be here."
After reading this I realize that isn't enough. I need to go out of my way and let these people know that all is forgiven and I'm ready to move forward whether they want to take this walk with me or not. So with that said the process begins. This is going to be tough for some and I know its going to take some time and inner strength in order for this to be achieved, but it needs to be done.
For those that have taken the time to read this I hope that you take a moment to think about the people in your lives that you haven't been able to make amends with for whatever reasons. However justified you feel, just know that what was done to you isn't worth sacrificing the rewards that you will reap for what is essentially a simple act. Don't block your blessings. As sinners we are so quick to drop down on our knees and ask God for forgiveness but we can't do the same for others?
Wipe your plate clean before you bring your sins to God.
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2 comments:
Wow...I'm pretty good at forgiving and forgetting, but there is someone who I haven't forgiven, but my question is, how do you forget what they did and trust that they won't do it again? Another question is, what if you reach out to this person that has hurt you and when you have the conversation, they don't seem somewhat remorseful. What do you do then? How do you forgive them when they are not sorry? How do you let the person stay in your life?
I LUV UR BLOG!!!!!!
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