Learn To Forgive

Learn To Forgive “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also.” Luke 6:27-29 In this world we live in today, it would be rare to find many who would turn the other cheek as the scripture above states. However throughout the Bible this is the message that Jesus keeps sending us. Forgiveness is something that so many people struggle with every day of their lives. As I have counseled people throughout the years, many times the underlying problem that these people are facing is the lack of being able to forgive others. So many of them have been hurt by employers, friends, neighbors and many times by family members, and they have not been able to forgive and forget and go on with their lives. The pain keeps gnawing at them and does not go away, and the longer they harbor this hurt the more it spreads into other parts of their lives and into their family situations. “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:15. When we are unable to release bitterness and pent up anger inside us this is going to keep God from operating in our lives. I know it is difficult to forgive someone who has hurt you, but just remember the sacrifice that Jesus made to forgive you. What He is asking you to do is nothing compared to the sacrifice He made on your behalf. If there is someone that has harmed you, and you have not been able to forgive, I would encourage you to ask God for the strength to help you forgive them, as this is one of the most important elements in your walk with Jesus. As the above scripture tells us, what better reason do we have to forgive others so that our sins will also be forgiven? My Daily Devotional Volume III April 16 Robert William Brock, Jr.