Forgiveness
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
A former pastor of mine, Pastor Karen, was so much more than a great pastor. She was a GREAT leader, mentor, compassionate and loving friend. She loved people! She enjoyed sharing and living the love of Christ. She was extremely busy but always had the time to sit and chat. She was never to busy to listen.
When I was going through my divorce, she was there to listen and pray. She would hold me while I sobbed and would encourage me that God would use it “for my good and His glory” (Romans 8:28). For years, I have journaled; pouring my heart and thoughts out to God. Pastor Karen would ask me to read some of the entries. She would weep with me. One day, she asked me if I had written a poem on Forgiveness. Strangely, I hadn’t. She was going to do a sermon on “The Call to Forgiveness” and asked if I would write a poem to share with the congregation. I told her that I would pray about it and see what the Lord provided.
At the time, honestly, I didn’t feel very forgiving or loving. I felt anger, frustration, heartbreak; emotions ran wild. But, I prayed. I read my Bible and searched the scriptures. The words tore at my heart.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Faither will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
(Matthew 6:14)
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
(Hebrews 4:12)
The word was doing exactly what God designed it to do; cut through my bad attitude, directly piercing my heart. He was clearly calling me to forgive. No doubt about it! Being strong-willed, I wrestled with immediate obedience. But, I finally surrendered and when I did, I felt “the peace that passes understanding.” My poor attitude had been hindering my relationship with Jesus. As I forgave, I knew that He had forgiven me of my sins.
Then, as I journaled, the words flowed through my pen. God provided a poem that Pastor Karen shared with the congregation entitled: A Call To Forgiveness. Take a moment and read the words. If you have any unforgiveness in your heart, forgive, and give it to God. He has BIG shoulders and can handle ALL of the anger, disappointment, hurt, pain that happens. He loves us. He calls us to be kind, compassionate; to love and forgive. Go ahead. Let today be the day that you are freed from the bondage of unforgiveness and bitterness.
Photo Credit of Heart: Kelly Sikkema
