August 20: FORGIVING

See it:

…when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. Mark 11:25 (NLT)

Obey it:

I remember it well. I heard someone was talking bad about my dad. I was in high school. It bothered me all day. I could not get it out of my head, so I let it dictate what I would do. After school, I went up to him and punched him. Very dumb on my part. Today he is my Facebook friend, has forgiven me, and I look back on my decision with regret. He truly forgave my aggression. Jesus has asked us to serve everyone and that includes people we don’t particularly get along with. Why is it important to forgive and serve those who have hurt us? The truth is this: what we resent we reflect. Be careful about lack of forgiveness in three areas:

1.      What others have done to you intentionally. Forgive and serve.

2.      What you have done to yourself. Forgive and serve.

3.      What “powers that be” have done to you. Forgive and serve.

Forgiveness does not always mean re-establishment of relationship, especially if there is emotional or physical harm. It does mean loving them and helping them regardless. Whom do you need to forgive today? Whom can you show you have forgiven by paying back good for evil through service?

Share it:
1. Practice patience.
2. Refrain from gossiping; speak well of others.
3. Act as if the glass is half full.

My prayer today:
Lord, I know forgiveness is not easy, but it’s necessary. Help me to serve people I don’t particularly like or agree with today. Amen.

Season of Service