Today’s Readings:
Ecclesiastes 27:33-28:9
Psalm 103:1-4,9-12
Romans 14:7-9
Matthew 18:21-35
The difficulty in forgiving can often be our view of forgiveness as a gift to the offender. However, it is actually a gift to ourselves. When we choose to forgive, we reap the benefits of forgiveness.
The Scriptures remind us:
Sirach 28:9 - "Remember the commandments, and do not bear your neighbour ill-will; remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook the offence."
Matthew 6:14–15, "If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
"Holding on to hurt is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." – Unknown
WHAT IS FORGIVENESS?
🗯️ Forgiveness is A RESPONSE to a perceived injustice. We cannot properly forgive unless we acknowledge that an injustice has been committed, and this involves experiencing anger on some level.
☕ Forgiveness is a CHOICE to release an offender from our punishment and entrust it all to God. The dictionary defines forgiveness as “debt cancellation”. It’s Jesus’ salvific work on the cross that paid the debt of our sins.
🤗 Forgiveness is also UNCONDITIONAL. We can forgive regardless of whether the offender apologizes or takes responsibility.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FORGIVENESS?
Blessings – God’s word enjoins us to love and forgive. If we obey His word, we shall receive a blessing.
Freedom – Hatred is a heavy burden. It stays with us and wears us down, affecting many facets of our life. It erodes our wellness and grows into bitterness and resentment. The weight of unforgiveness will continue to grow – hurting ourselves more than anyone else.
Improved Health – Research shows that forgiving others actually leads to better physical health! What?! It’s true…better heart health is among the top physical benefits of forgiveness. Apparently, studies are showing a lower risk of heart attack, reduced blood pressure and better cholesterol levels when we choose forgiveness. People also experience better sleep and reduced pain levels.
Better Mental Health – Those same studies also indicate that better mental health is a benefit of forgiveness. People are experiencing reduced anxiety and depression when they forgive others. Also, stress levels tend to be lower. The most interesting part of the research was the increased likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder when hanging on to grudges.
Improved Relationships – Forgiveness is a crucial virtue in a broken world. As a result, the better we are at forgiving others, the better our relationships become.
We make mistakes every single day. The people with whom we are closest, likely experience our shortcomings the most. If we are not quick to forgive, the offenses would build up like a losing game of Tetris. Grace and forgiveness are key ingredients in any thriving relationship.
• Healing –It is impossible to heal while holding on to bitterness and resentment.
• Living in the Present – “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past." Isaiah 43:18
Unforgiveness is keeping our mind set on the past. Living in the past robs us of the joy in the present. We will miss the blessings each day has to offer if the eyes of our heart are fixed on past offenses.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want, in Jesus name.
The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fulness, The world and those who dwell therein.
May God grant me wisdom, renewed strength in my mind, and body; grace to forgive and accept myself and others; crown all my endeavours, hopes and dreams with resounding success in Jesus name.
Father, grant that I may know Christ and experience His Resurrection power, in Jesus name.
O Lord, visit anew all Christian homes with Your mercy and love, in Jesus name.
Father, take control in the lives of our children, youths and young adults, in Jesus name.
O Lord, unite the body of Christ in Your love, in Jesus name.
O Lord, intervene in situation of our nation Nigeria, in Jesus name.
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