God bless them…
Photo by Christopher Stites on Unsplash
Happy Friday, Rise and Shine friends! Yippee!
The most wonderful thing happened yesterday…
My college boy called me late in the afternoon and said, “Mom, I think I am going to come home for the weekend. Is that okay?”
Practically squealing, I replied…”YESSSSS!!!!”
It is always a joy to see him, and lately it is very few and far between.
Do you have good news to share? I would love to hear it!
This morning, I read Mark 11. This verse struck me, and I wanted to share it with you.
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:24-26
So, we love the first part of this verse…its is so awesome.
Yet, we must also make sure we are obeying the second part of this teaching
Forgiveness.
It is something we all struggle with at times.
People hurt us.
People hurt our children.
People hurt our loved ones.
Forgiveness can be very difficult.
However, if we do not actively, INTENTIONALLY, forgive others…we will not be able to walk in answered prayers.
EEK.
Forgiveness can withold God’s blessings and best for us.
"If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins". Matthew 6:14-15
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24
Forgiveness will create bitterness.
Bitter people are no fun to be around.
They are negative, mean spirited, and lacking joy.
We must, must, must daily practice forgiveness so that we will not become bitter.
How do we practice forgiveness?
Pray over those that hurt us.
Pray every single day.
You will not “feel” like forgiving them. Your flesh will fight you tooth and nail.
Do it anyway.
My sweet friend, Rebekah, told me recently that any time someone offends her or someone she loves, she immediately prays…”God, bless them. God bless them. God bless them.”
What a great example for us!
Friends, we do not want to live in unforgiveness. It is a dangerous place to be.
We can follow the example of Jesus, who washed the feet of Judas. The one who would betray him the very next day.
I am not saying we need to literally wash an offender’s feet, but we can wash them in prayer.
The more we forgive, the easier it becomes. It is a muscle that just needs to be worked out daily.
Bitterness can creep up on us if we are not careful.
Forgive, and keep forgiving.
Lord, help us to forgive those that have hurt us. Please, Lord, show us any areas that we are unknowingly holding a grudge. Set us free from this, Jesus. We forgive the ones that hurt us. We pray your blessings over them. Bless them, Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. Luke 6:28
working on this,
jill
*Need a little help with your morning quiet time? Start your day with Jesus and my new devotional. You can find it here. :)
