Matthew 5:44
“44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Loving and praying for our enemies is not a small feat, for many among us, it’s an overwhelming, insurmountable challenge.
What’s makes this type of forgiveness unique is, it’s targeted at people we don’t necessarily have a relationship with, or folks we just don’t like.
Forgiving someone we love (and need) seems simple when compared to letting go of pain and suffering associated with a stranger’s doing.
So we can forgive those who have trespassed against us, those who even took arms to hurt us, we must first remember the One who forgave us first.
We claim to love God, but we disobey and dishonor Him.
Yet, He forgives us our trespasses.
And, we’re called to forgive and love others who hurt us, but, do we?
Forgiveness is a conscious choice to grow passed a situation, a behavior or a transgression. Forgiveness is not giving in, or giving up… It’s giving the issue to God!
In plain English, God does wants for us to repay evil for evil, but instead we are to do what is honorable in the sight of all those involved in each issue.
When you find yourself the pivoting compass in your life with matters of forgiveness, you should surrender to God’s plan and strive to live peaceably with all.
Do this with the certainty that God’s wrath will find those who trespass against Him and His servants, and all of us should also embody His command to feed our enemies, quench their thirst so the Lord can do His work in them.
Forgiveness Is Love.
Over the years, since I was born again of faith in the risen Christ, I’ve hurt those closest to me, and sadly I’ve also been hurt by those closest to me.
For a season, I was resentful, and I blamed myself for each failed relationship, for the pain I felt, and the pain I caused.
In His time, through prayer, fellowship and seeking God’s will in His word, I found forgiveness in my soul, and I was free…
Free of the pain, the suffering and the anxiety that all come along adversity.
To grow beyond our pain, we first have to let go of it. We have to leave suffering where it belongs, in the past, then seek redemption for the future through forgiveness.
Forgiveness Is A Choice
It’s not easy to forgive someone who’s hurt us. But, in the long run, it’s a whole lot harder on us if we don’t forgive, if we choose to hold on to pain, to failure.
It is my hope that you will seek God’s favor in your life, and leave the hopeless past where it belongs; Burnt and buried.
Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid. God is with you, always.
You will find Him in songs of worship, hear Him in His word and feel Him in fellow servants of the most high.
Serve the Lord and go to Him for strength, guidance and hope.
He will never forsake you…
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your presence in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through Matthew,
And we ask you Lord to help us find joy in your perfect plan.
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through your Word, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by the truth as we spread the good news to one and all,
And lead the lost to You.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us,
To bless our lives and fill us with hope.
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done, here on Earth and through the vast Universe,
May our hearts be filled with your everlasting love and grace.
Praises to You God, Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
