Grace and Unforgiveness
Story Time!
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made (John 1:3). He is the life and light of men.
One day, the Word became flesh and dwelt among men (John 1:14). He was the promised child, He IS the savior, the Living King – Jesus Christ.
He came to the world to teach about “the way”, but He was not well received. The Word and His gospel warred against the flesh and hearts of men.
He was sinless and perfect in every way. Out of envy and spite, He was killed for what He said. After 3 days, He rose from the dead. Even so, He is still hated today.
Now, I don’t know about you, but…I would find it hard to forgive someone who killed my son. I’d think they were deserving of death. But God sent His son, knowing what would happen. His Son, Jesus, knew that His sacrifice would redeem those who believed in the truth. By grace through our faith, we are saved.
I could talk about salvation, but I want to pivot for this post and talk about how unforgiveness hurts our lives.
Unforgiveness takes root when we relive and hold onto a moment of hurt and pain in the absence of justice. Slowly corroding our mind, heart, body, and soul. Eventually, we reap the rotten fruits of emotional detachment, stress, mental and physical health issues. Unforgiveness will turn you into a shell of your former self.
Why do we choose to let pain, hurt, anger, etc., dictate our state of being? More often than not, we are more harmed by our own contempt than by the person who committed the offense. So how do we let go? Grace.
Working Grace and Forgiveness
God’s grace not only saves, but it works in our lives to root out the things that defile our spirits.
By allowing grace to work, we put our trust in the One who will be the judge. “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).
Allow grace to shift your perspective. Taking a merciful stance isn’t easy, but its a giant step in freeing your heart from pain and strife. Christians are to be merciful just as our Heavenly Father is merciful to us (Luke 6:36).
Forgiveness is an act of grace. One that isn’t always accomplished on our own. For believers partnering with the Holy Spirit makes this possible. The Spirit of the Living God, by His grace can and will help you in you time of need. It doesn’t mean your problems will go away all at once, but it is a step toward healing.
It is better to live in peace and grace than to live in suffering and darkness.
Do you need to forgive someone today?
theOlivetbee 