“Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until he has something to forgive.”              ~CS Lewis, Mere Christianity

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.   (Ephesians 4:32  HCSB) 

The Lord is teaching me more and more that forgiveness is an absolute necessity if we want to be able to live our lives in the fullness that He desires for us.

As we walk this journey that unfolds before us, it is almost certain that someone at some point will offend us or hurt us with their words or actions.  And it is almost certain that at some point in our lives we will say or do something that will offend or hurt someone else.

I know that I have had regrets and sorrow at things that I have said or done that I realized later were not how I am to behave in love.  I have first gone to the Lord and asked His forgiveness…and then gone to the person and asked their forgiveness.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  (1 John 1:9  HCSB) 

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, may we intentionally walk in forgiveness in the days ahead.  Unforgiveness is like a spiritual cancer that eats away at our witness for Christ. It hinders us from being able to Love like He desires us to Love.  If you are holding onto any unforgiveness in your life…seek the Lord today!  Let HIM touch that sore place in your heart and spirit and begin the healing that is necessary.

Jesus is our example!  While on the cross, suffering deeply – emotionally, spiritually, and physically – He said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.”  (Luke 23:34  HCSB)

Beloved, with Jesus’ help, LET IT GO!

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you.”    ~Corrie Ten Boom

The Lord wants you to walk in FREEDOM!!  May you find that freedom today through forgiveness…