Matthew 5:7 says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
I, (Dave) understand that the application of Jesus’ words about mercy can go in many directions, but one of the clearest (to me) is the mercy shown to others when we forgive them for the harm, loss or pain they cause us or inflicted on those we love.
Recently, this powerful truth has been tested in my life in ways I didn’t want, ask for, or know exactly what to do with. Have you ever been tested to the point where you simply want to quit? You just want to go away and hide and let the world do what it is going to do, but it will have to do it without you (or me)?
It is possible that there is no greater way to show the love of Jesus and live out His example than when we forgive others “from the heart” for things they have done to us or to a loved one. You know, of course, that they may never ask us for forgiveness or may be deceased and can’t ask for forgiveness. My friend Terry wrote a book entitled Forgive Instantly, Live Free . He gets it. He has learned to release any and all hurt caused by others – intentionally or unintentionally. He knows that Jesus has forgiven him, so Terry practices Ephesians 4:31-32 and lives in freedom. His wife testifies to the new man she discovered in their relationship after Terry started choosing to forgive anyone and everyone…even forgiving her.
Think about it. Whom do you need to forgive? Is there a person who hurt you, left you all alone, abandoned you, abused you, or simply neglected you to the point of your feeling ignored and insignificant? Does it still irritate you, make you mad, create deep sadness, or cause you to be sidelined in life for extended periods of time?
Have you been guilty of sin and of hurting other people by your actions, words, or neglect?
Have you been to Jesus for His forgiveness and mercy? Did He give you forgiveness?
Would you list those who have hurt you? Would you think of those who cause a negative reaction in you when you think about or see them?
Would you consider giving them some of the forgiveness that Jesus gave to you, as a steward of God’s forgiveness?
You are an object of God’s gifts showing His mercy when you give forgiveness and show mercy to others. Did you know that holding unforgiveness and unresolved pain is a weight on your soul and a burden you are not equipped to carry? Did you know that unforgiveness entangles your walk with Christ and causes you to stumble?
Do the scripture in Hebrews 12:1-2. Take your pain to Jesus and let Him take it from you. Choose to forgive others from your heart and let the healing begin.
You may need to go ask someone for forgiveness for unresolved guilt from your past.
You may need to grant forgiveness for unresolved pain from your past.
Either way, it is time to be free from the “weight and sin” of the past so you can live in the present and stop being anxious about the future.
What do you say? Will you be the example of a person who neither holds onto past hurt nor lives under the guilt of the past? Will you ask God for forgiveness? He stands ready to forgive. Will you ask forgiveness from those you hurt or left alone? (I John 1:9; James 5:16)
Will you give forgiveness to those who damaged (or are damaging) your life? Will you do Ephesians 4:31-32?
We need clear examples of forgiveness in this world, don’t we? Will you be one? God can use you and me to change the futures of our family and friends by being a person who forgives.
Dave Lewis