Mark 11:24-25
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins
God calls you to ask for forgiveness and He calls you to forgive. You are to look inward and outward to search for ways to forgive. God asks you to do your part, so He can do His. Forgiveness allows God to show up. It allows Him to be a presence in your life. When you are able to let go and forgive, you become an example of God’s love. It isn’t easy. It may be the hardest thing you do. But you are not alone.
There is a power in asking for forgiveness. Forgiveness is taking responsibility, taking ownership, and verbally admitting you’re wrong. You recognize your mistakes and find a way to grow past them. It takes courage to ask for forgiveness. It is the ultimate act of love. It requires being completely honest and open with your Father. Sit in prayer and reflect on how you can be more open. Ask for forgiveness for the big things as well as the little. The little things often get neglected. They are simple things like not believing you have enough, can do enough or are equipped to go forward. Moving forward stops with “I can’t!” I can’t statements stall God’s work. You are more than I can’t! You may feel like you can’t but you can. You may not be able to do it like you see others do it. But that is alright. You are unlike anyone else. You love like no other and forgive like no other. You are you. To show up completely for yourself you must search yourself. Forgiveness is a beautiful gift to you. It allows you to lay your stumbles, the things you are hooked on, and can’t stop obsessing over before God. It releases you from those things and allows the healing process to begin.
What does forgiveness look like? It looks like letting go. It looks like releasing what you have no control over and moving on. It really takes courage to reflect on yourself and face your pain and find a loving spot within you to forgive. It is difficult to forgive someone that has caused you pain. God’s grace gives you that courage and strength you need. You move toward forgiveness in small moments of reflection and prayer. To forgive another person is to release your bitterness and your pride. It is to trust that God has everything you need. It is hard to let go. Forgiveness is unconditional. It must be given with no expectations. When you forgive you are recognizing God’s love in this world and the love He has for another child.
Don’t second guess forgiveness. God puts forgiveness on your heart. The enemy questions it. The enemy works over time to convince you forgiving someone will only open you up to be hurt again. He wants you wrapped up in all you lost. He wants you to focus on what was taken away from you. Search your heart and ask God to show you what you are still holding on to. Ask Him to show you if you are harboring negative feelings toward anyone else, including yourself. The enemy wants you to be the judge and decide when someone deserves forgiveness. He knows that not forgiving prevents God from working in that area of your life. The enemy sees the power of forgiveness. He fears it because it transforms. Forgiveness tells the enemy you refuse to be his victim.
Forgiveness says, "welcome God come in and do your work." It clears space for more of God’s blessings. Pray for forgiveness and pray to forgive and know what ever you ask for you will receive in God's time.
Prayer
Father God,
Thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for putting on my heart when it is time to forgive someone. I asked and you did. You moved me forward in your time, gently healing tender spots, extracting bitterness, moving me through stubbornness and untangling me from my pride. You showed me that the love you have for me you have for all others too. You are a good Father. Forgive me for fearing forgiveness. Forgive me for not coming to you with the small things. Those small things pile up and become harder to manage. Continue to search my heart and show me what I still need to release. Continue to increase my love. There is nothing you cannot heal. May I always remember to Let GOD!
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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