“You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you; love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:43-46
Well, it is the end of the year, and the issue of love and /or forgiveness is again at the forefront of our minds. Whether we need forgiving or we need to extend forgiveness, is irrelevant; to God, both are the same. When you forgive someone, whether they have apologized or not, it dismisses the burden from your life. It takes away the anger, hatred, and animosity that may be lingering in your heart. I don't know about you, but for me, it is an “anger issue.” I have to work through the forgiving part, while I go through the anger. I must stay away from the perpetrator in order to work through the process of forgiving them. Staying away from them offers the opportunity for two things, it gives me time, and it gives the other person some time. The downside of course, is time is promised to no one.
–Sometimes, tomorrow just doesn't come.
You will have to learn to forge your own path to forgiveness. A path cleared by your own conscience and your love for God. If you have knowingly hurt someone, now is the time to send that email, make that phone call, or more importantly, have a face-to-face meeting to resolve the issue. For some, maybe this year you will be able to ask for forgiveness. For others, maybe this year you will forgive those who have hurt you.
Yes, finally and wholeheartedly, you will leave the whole issue behind you so that you can move into your destiny as a son or daughter of your Father in heaven. More importantly, you will allow God to release all the blessings He has held in limbo for you, waiting until the day you make the decision to leave it behind. -Why. Not. Let. Today, Be. That. Day. L.
Study Reference: Matthew 5:43-46
From: "Leaving It Behind." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Kimberly Beeby
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