Do Yourself a Favor

 

The Golden Rule says to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  I like that idea, but there’s another rule that gets even more personal.

If you know “The Lord’s Prayer” you’re already aware of it - - - the give and take of forgiveness.

Whether you say debts or sins or trespasses the scriptural intent is the same (Matthew 6:5-13; Luke 11:1-4; (Matthew 6:14-15). If I want God to forgive me, I must forgive others.

We’re all familiar with “No Trespassing” signs. They mark personal boundaries. People understand if they cross the line, they do so at their own risk.

We have all had to deal with trespassers. The Amplified Bible explains trespasses as reckless and willful sins. To forgive means to let them go and give up resentment.

I’ve often heard Joyce Meyer teach about forgiveness. She was abused as a child and carried bitterness and resentment for many years. Then one day the Lord reminded her that by retaining bitterness and unforgiveness, she was only hurting herself. Her trespasser, unaware of her unforgiveness, was totally unaffected by it.

To be totally free, don’t keep score. Peter asked Jesus if we were to forgive our brother up to seven times? Jesus blew Peter away by upping the math to seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22 AMP).

You can’t say you love someone if you are unwilling to forgive. True love means not being self-seeking, touchy, resentful nor even paying attention to a suffered wrong (1 Corinthians 13:5 AMP).

Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling. The enemy of our souls does not want us to walk in the freedom of forgiveness. He will say, “You haven’t forgiven so-and-so for (whatever).” 

When this happens, don’t give in. Just reinforce your original decision by saying, “I have forgiven them, God has forgiven me, and I’m moving on.”

Are you carrying feelings of resentment, bitterness, or anger toward some personal trespasser? If so, do yourself a favor. Prayerfully choose to forgive, then let it go.