~Forgiveness~

Today at church, the father told a great story about forgiveness. He spoke of a man who never wanted any gifts from anyone, he never wanted help from anyone, he never wanted anything. He was so angry. This story really touched me.

During Hurricane Harvey, this particular person’s house flooded and he required the help of others, and everyday they showed up to help, and everyday the man was mad. Finally the father talked with him and the male told him of a story. He told the Father when he was 15 years old, his mom bought him everything he needed for baseball. The bat, glove, etc. The young boy loved it, he was so excited about it, he couldn’t believe his mom had done that for him. When his dad got home, the mom told him what she had bought for their son, which made the dad extremely upset. It made him so upset, that he pushed the wife and made her head bleed. From that point on, the young man never wanted anything from anyone and did not forgive his father for hitting his mom.

The male, now older, spoke with the father, and told him how he wanted to be forgiven for the way he has been acting towards others that were trying to help him, and he wants to forgive his father. The father stayed and prayed with him and told him that Jesus asks us to forgive the same way he forgives us. That day a weight was lifted off of the man’s shoulders and you could see the relief on his face.

Could you imagine holding on to so much pain for so many years, what that could do to your body? What it could do your life? After listening to that, I realized that I too have difficulty forgiving those who have hurt me or forgiving those who have wronged me in some way. I’m sure my friends will tell you my attitude wasn’t the best, and I was always so negative.

God wants us to forgive others, not for them, but for YOU. When you hold on to anger, hatred, meanness etc., those don’t effect the person you’re angry at, they effect you and how you see life, and how you treat others.

Life is meant to be enjoyable and a blessing, but when we have these negative feelings, it hinders us to living the most amazing life. It also doesn’t allow you to work for God the way he needs you to work for him. Remember we are here to spread God’s love to others.

Let today be the day you let all the hurt feelings go. Forgive the person or persons who have done you wrong or talked about you. Release these negative thoughts so that you can let the positive vibes in.

PRAY – FORGIVE – LIVE

God wants you to enjoy every part of life and to enjoy life to the fullest. You can’t enjoy life with feelings of hate or trying to find ways to get back at someone. Pray, give it to God, forgive and watch how God changes your life.

Blessings.

Matthew 18: 21-22 (21)Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? (22)Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.