Today’s Encouragement is Ephesians 4:32 NLT Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Forgiving One Another –
Often people say, “I know I need to forgive, but I just can’t!” or “I’m really trying to forgive them”.
This isn’t optional, a “try to do this if you can”, not an “if you’re a really good person you can do this”. This is a Must! Why? Because we have been forgiven!
How? There are only a few essential steps…
First, Recognize that we need forgiveness! Jesus clarified that it’s not only what we do… but also what we think that demonstrates our sinful, human nature. If you need examples of how you are a sinner… just pray… God will readily reveal this.
Next, ask God for His forgiveness! Recognizing that He knows our needs even before we ask, confessing is for cleansing.
Then, Accept His Forgiveness! He’s already paid the price, our sin debt is paid by Jesus, so we are now already free! We are now, already, Forgiven!
Next, Forgive!
This is a spiritual and mental decision. “I choose to forgive you.” You might write it down, exactly whom and what you are forgiving, maybe speak the words out loud to yourself. I forgive ____ for ____…
Finally, As with all spiritual decisions… ask God to help you to continue to forgive, and to cleanse your heart and mind of the unforgiveness.
Unforgiveness is a cancer. Get it out of your life.
Thank You Father for making the Way of forgiveness known to us. Thank You for Your perfect forgiveness, which we do not deserve. Help us to demonstrate our gratitude to You by forgiving those who have harmed us, so that we are eternally free!
Help us be kind
Tommy & Eileen Walker
Today’s Encouragement 