Living in forgiveness

Can you imagine what a totally clean heart feels like? It feels like complete peace and joy. It’s an incredible place to be. Jesus promised we could get there on a consistent basis: “‘I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace…’” (John 16:33, AMP) In my personal experience, I can honestly admit this peace is pure bliss. I love peace, but stress, hurt, and anger get in the way.

friend, can you relate to the fleeting nature of the state of peace? Jesus promised, “‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’” (John 14:27, NKJV)

Let’s face it...we live in a broken world with broken people. We struggle with fear, pride, lust, and impatience almost every day. So what’s the solution to this present dilemma? We know we are called to live in a state of peace, but we realize we tend to lose it very quickly. Here are a few things that have really helped me maintain it longer and get it back when I lose it:

1. Forgive daily. You’ll find as you forgive then continue the process, you will reach the state of forgiveness. Reaching the state of forgiveness means the memory is still there, but the power has been removed. The memory is a mere shell that no longer infects us or sabotages our relationships. 
2. Ask God to heal you. Forgiveness gets rid of the infection, but Jesus can heal you of the damage. I firmly believe in healing from trauma. 
3. Spread peace by adding value to others. The Apostle Paul enlists us to join the ministry of reconciliation: “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18, NKJV)

friend, I can’t guarantee that living in a state of peace is easy. But I can promise you that God is great and He can calm any storm you are facing because you are a miracle.