“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift…
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Matthew 5:23-24; Colossians 3:12-13
Is forgiveness easy? No! It is especially difficult when there is no remorse nor admission of guilt. But for your own peace of mind, you must put that aside. The behavior of someone else is not your concern. It is Mine. Your behavior – your response to another is your concern. Remember My child, you are not without sin and I forgive you. Hatred and bitterness breeds evil and resolves nothing. Forgiveness; however, breeds peace and joy and love. Decide which you want. My desire for you is the latter. In fact, I insist upon it – for your good…for your happiness…for your future and fulfillment.
Your turn…
Find a quiet place and make the list you know you need to make. Now forgive them one by one. Will you automatically feel better? Probably not, but do this every day until your heart no longer hurts and your anger is replaced with a sincere desire for each one of these who have hurt you to know Me and live a life of love. Remember my Son’s words, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 He is your example. Follow Him!
In a setting of peace and quiet, come and sincerely pray … “I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey Your Word. I have not departed from Your law for You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow Your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, LORD, according to Your Word. Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me Your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget Your law. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from Your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping Your decrees to the very end.”
Psalm 119:101-112
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins…Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Matthew 6:14-15; Ephesians 4:31-32
And I mean it!
Loving you forever,
Abba
How to do this as a weekly bible study
Day One: Experience
Read the entire devotion. Do any verses stand out to you? If so, write it down and work on memorizing it over the week. I personally love the app Scripture Typer.
Day Two: Observe
Read & Chain. Look up & chain verses (see video).
Ephesians 1:7-10; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 John 1:9, Psalm 51:1-15, Micah 7:18-19; Psalm 103:8-12; Isaiah 43:25
Day Three: Interpret
Read through the chain of verses starting with the first one. What do they say? Do you notice when it says “never” or “always” or “If, but, however, therefore, all…..”
(Bible journaling examples for these verses)
Day Four: Application
Do “Your turn” and make a list of people that God has put on your heart when you read this.
Day Five: Testify
Who in your life, right now, can you share this with?
There is somebody in your life that needs to hear this. Close your eyes. What name came to mind?
To download this as an eBook click here:AndIMeanIt-3
Previous Bible Studies: go here.
