Repent and Live. Forgive.

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance 

against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Colossians 3:13

Forgiveness is freedom. We create our own bondage if we refuse to forgive people. Think about it.

Jesus preached these words during His Sermon on the Mount: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matthew 6:14-15). 

First of all, we see that we are sinning if we refuse to forgive others because God tells us to forgive others! And not only are we sinning but our sins will not be forgiven! Yikes.

Jesus' existence on earth was all about love and forgiveness! We won't forgive if we don't love. Jesus walked on this earth with a humble, forgiving heart -- in total freedom! He was free to trust His Father's love for Him and His Father's plan for the salvation of the world! He completely trusted God for the outcome of every situation and never sought vengeance because He knew His Father would deal with His enemies. 

The Bible teaches us that, again, forgiveness is freedom. 

We establish our own bondage when we won't forgive others who have sinned against us because we pronounce judgement in our hearts against whoever hurt us. We are taking on the role of God. We want to punish the person who hurt us by emotionally cutting them off and being defensive and protective of ourselves. Self-protection is enslavement. It breeds anger, bitterness and resentment. It's a very dark downward spiral we are creating in our own heart and mind.

This is why responding to circumstances "our way" instead of God's way doesn't work. It's a painful choice for a child of God. And the longer we hold grudges and refuse to forgive, the darker and lonelier our journey becomes because our pride has totally taken over.

I'm speaking from experience. I'm not bragging; I'm confessing. I know what this is. We get hurt, offended, or treated in some cruel way. It hurts. If I'm not living God's way, you know, according to the leading of the Holy Spirit in me, then I'll listen to another voice telling me I'm a victim and that I should be very angry and to stay mad at the offender. Sure, it's a spiritual battle, but I am learning more and more how wise it is to forgive and move on, Sister! 

God told the Israelites, "I will judge each of you according to your own ways...Repent! Turn away  from all your offenses: then sin will not be your downfall....Repent and live!" (Ezekiel 18:30, 32).

Jesus came to earth so that "we could have life and have it in abundance!" (John 10:10).He wants us live out our lives full of the riches that money cannot buy such as: love, joy, peace, kindness, and self-control! He doesn't want any of His children to wallow in sin and whine about being mistreated. He already promised we would have trouble. "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Overcome. That's for us, in Jesus. He says, "Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:12).

When we "let it go and forgive" our joy returns, our love and laughter returns. We're grateful again after humbling ourselves! We're free again, to shine the light of Christ to the world. To live as peacemakers. To love people. To serve Christ and the world with our time, talents, and treasures!

Now that's freedom.

Polly💖

Matthew 5:16