Forgiveness

Forgiveness has been on my heart lately.  It is a key concept in my walk with Jesus. His forgiveness is the base of salvation.  I have been brought to tears many times this week thinking of all the offenses I have committed against Him and all the times His blood has counted me forgiven! Wow! Not just forgiven but righteous! His word says justified (Romans 5:9) Justified = just as if I hadn’t sinned! Forgiveness is everything. It is the core of the Gospel.

                You see I know who I was before Jesus. I was a drunk, home wrecker, druggie, lost, blind, decaying soul. I was totally in the darkness.  I was going full speed headed straight into the pit of hell. Then Jesus, aw precious Jesus, heard my cries.  He came down and picked me up. He held me in His mighty arms and breathed life back into my nostrils. He took my heart of stone and put in His heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26) He forgave me.  I know how much I desperately needed His forgiveness. I saw how Holy and Righteous He is and I saw how much I needed Him. He saved my life! I can never forget where I came from. If I forget where I was, then it makes it easy to judge others who are there.   How could I ever judge someone who is in chains to drugs when that was once me? I must always remember that it’s by Gods grace and mercy I am free from those chains that once entangled me.  Not only am I now free but I am called to help free others! “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” (Luke 4:18)   What an amazing task that God is calling me to do. Everyone knows what the Bible says about judging others, even none Christians know that verse, but unless I know where I came from, who saved me, and why I am saved, than I can’t be free from criticizing others.

                The Bible says forgive others as Christ has forgiven me. (Matt 6:14) it isn’t until I understand how Jesus has forgiven me am I able to forgive others.  So again, the answer is found at the cross! The precious cross.  When I struggle with forgiving someone I need to go before the cross.  I need to remember who I was, who He is, and what my purpose is!

Jesus~

Dear Lord, Thank you!! I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am for your forgiveness Father. I know I deserve death by sinning against you and your commandments but your blood paid the price I could never pay.  Thank you Jesus for your obedience unto death! Lord, help me when I struggle to forgive others.  Father, I know you want me to show them your love and I mess that up when I hold onto bitterness. Forgive me. Please help me to always keep my purpose in front of my sights. Help me to always see the cross before everything. Thank you Lord for allowing me to go and share this great news with others. Help me to not mess it up. I love you Father!

In Jesus Name

Amen.