God has made a way for you…

When there’s a conflict, a minimum of two parties are involved: the hurt person and the one who caused the hurt. Both are in a prison. The only key to getting out of it is…forgiveness.

Maybe you’re thinking: “That’s completely impossible for me. I can’t forgive that person. He/she hurt me too badly.” Or perhaps: “Ask that person’s forgiveness? But I didn’t do anything! And then, what good will it do? What will it change?”

Everything, in fact. Absolutely everything. Jesus taught us this, in His lesson on prayer: “‘And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.’” (Read the Bible, Matthew 6:12, NLT)

Has someone sinned against you? Know that God will give you the strength to forgive. You have made every effort to listen to Him and follow Him, you who fear His name. So, as a child respecting His Word, you can’t remove this verse from the Lord’s Prayer.

God forgave you first…without this forgiveness, neither you nor I could enter into His presence, pray to Him, or worship Him. His forgiveness empowers and enables you to forgive. What an extraordinary act! By doing so, you also release the person who hurt you.

If you’re the one who sinned against someone else, the one who caused the wrong, I understand how complicated it may be to go see the other person and admit your fault, your wrongdoing…but Jesus did on the cross everything you couldn’t do for your salvation. The tiny part left to do that the Lord won’t do in your place is to repent before Him, humble yourself, and ask the person you hurt to forgive you. All you have to do is say, “Forgive me for the pain I caused you…”

And if he/she rejects your apology, stay calm and keep trusting the Lord. He will intervene at the right moment. I also believe that we have to let it go once we’ve said these words. And if this isn’t resolved agreeably in your lifetime, know that you’ve done what’s right before God and that person.

In any case, forgiveness opens the door to restoration…in your life and in your relationships.

God isn’t asking you to do this brave action without first giving you the ability and love.

• Ask Him to be able to see that person as He sees you.
• Ask Him to help you forgive/ask forgiveness as He has forgiven you.
• Ask Him for the ability to love as He loves you.

The blessing is attached to your obedience. And know that the Lord has and will continue to give you the capability, love, and strength to obey. He is your Way Maker, as this awesome song declares.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2m4TgAOBKw&feature=youtu.be

I encourage you to follow the example of this “A Miracle Every Day” reader…I congratulate her! “Since I’ve received your messages, there has been a big change in my behavior and my way of seeing life. While I used to be very impulsive and aggressive, today your messages have taught me to be ready to listen to others and reconcile with the Lord Jesus. Also, I had problems with my sister for three years, and ‘A Miracle Every Day’ has helped me reconnect with her.”

Wonderful! May it be so for you too this holiday season.