Warriors Arise: January 13, 2024
Matthew 6:14 & 15 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
This is a strong verse. Years ago, it hit me between the eyes like a 2 X 4. I know I have sinned. I know I have fallen short. I know I make mistakes. I don't like it, but I hurt people when I sin. Salvation is based on forgiveness of sin. I confess my sin and the sacrifice Jesus make on the cross for my sins cleanses me from all unrighteousness. I desire to be forgiven of my sin. This verse brings in another component. I must forgive those who have sinned against me. I must offer grace, love and walk in peace. I cannot hold a grudge or walk on the other side of the road when I see them. I must fully release them from what they have done to me. I want to be forgiven by my Father; therefore, I must forgive them.
In many cases, I have found this to be extremely difficult. It is harder with those are close to me. When they sin against me it seems personal. It seems like they "want" to hurt me. I have come to realize in my own sin, I don't specifically plan on hurting someone or sinning against them, it is the impulse of the flesh.
What I mean by the "impulse of the flesh" is similar to what Paul writes about in Romans 7: 13-25. I desire to do good, to honor people, bless them and encourage them in righteousness. However, I can sin against them by saying or doing something rude when I am tired, feeling like I need to protect myself, frustrated because something I hadn't planned has stolen a great deal of time from me, I can't seem to get tasks completed and want to blame an unsuspecting by-stander, or something I had hoped would work out has fallen apart. Disappointment, discouragement and depression can cause me to be out of alignment with the peace of God. They can cause me to abandon hope.
Since I know where unforgiveness leads, I have to make a decision to forgive. I never want to lose hope. Loss of hope is a black hole that is very difficult to get out of. Therefore, I have the make myself forgive them. I cannot hold onto the hurt because it starts to poison my mind. It leads to depression. Depression is one step away from being paralyzed. I do not like to be paralyzed because then I can't seem to get myself moving. I struggle to get motivated to do even the simplest of tasks. Even if I can't forgive them because I am God's child and I need to be forgiven myself, I must forgive them to save myself from the black hole.
Father, today, I release those who have hurt me. I forgive each person who spoke to me and hurt me. I forgive each person who spoke about me in a dishonoring way. I do not need to know the reason why they were so hurtful. I do not want the tendrils of their meanness or ignorance to take me down a black hole. I want release each one. I pray You would forgive me for the mean, hurtful, and loose words I have spoke and things I have done. I have caused harm to others and I was wrong. I didn't remain in Your peace and allowed myself to operate in my flesh. I ask for be forgiven for my sins and selfishness in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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