Complete Forgiveness
Sometimes I just can’t get my head around the forgiveness of God. He knows me like no one else and He loves me deeply. He pursues a relationship with me – someone who is prone to sin. I am humbled in the Presence of that kind of love. His love is deeper than my mind can go or understand. His love reaches farther than my mind can fathom. The way He loves me and I know me, makes it easier me to forgive others who don’t deserve my forgiveness. He loves hardened criminals and He loves hard headed followers too. Throughout the Word, He is seen forgiving and restoring those who deserve severe punishment – even death. The sons of Korah pen a Psalm of forgiveness for the worship leader that is dripping with the grace of God on His people. Check this out…
1 You, Lord, showed favor to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people
and covered all their sins. (Psalm 85:1-2 NIV)
This song is still on my heart this morning as I’ve been taking a closer look at my heart and my life: No Longer Slaves by Jonathan & Melissa Helser.
You unravel me with a melody
You surround me with a song
Of deliverance from my enemies
‘Til all my fears are gone
I’m no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God
I’m no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God
From my mother’s womb You have chosen me
Love has called my name
I’ve been born again Into your family
Your blood flows through my veins
I’m no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God
I’m no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God
I am surrounded by the arms of the Father
I am surrounded by songs of deliverance
We’ve been liberated from our bondage
We’re the sons and the daughters
Let us sing our freedom!
You split the sea So I could walk right through it
My fears were drowned in perfect love
You rescued me And I could stand and sing
I am a child of God…
________________
Pressing On!
Dwayne
So tell me how to apply this: love those who persecute you. Bless those who hate you. It’s easy to love those who love in return, or do good. But I’m having trouble seeing past the offense of someone who MEANS to cause harm or hurt. How do I express this love in a genuine way? I don’t want to say the words and still have fear in my heart. That would be visible to the ‘enemy’ that sets out to do harm. Give me a real illustration of this love in practice so that I can remove my blindness.
Thanks for reaching out. I believe forgiveness is a gift I give myself. The anger, hurt and bitterness can’t begin to heal as long as I holding back on forgiving the other person. Someone once told me that bitterness (un-forgiveness turns to this) is a pill that I swallow thinking it’s going to hurt the other person, but it kills me. Billy Graham said that forgiveness is giving up my right to retaliate or strike back. At the end of the day, the Lord alone can heal my heart of the hurt and mistrust. It’s a process for sure NOT a destination. I hope this helps.