Even though Scripture is pretty clear about the issue of forgiveness of others, in the deepest recesses of my heart, I often find there is another layer of the matter I need to remove. I look at forgiveness like an onion, it has thin, transparent, but obvious layers.
Luke 6:37-38 says,
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Jesus teaches us that the way we view others, will be the same measurement in which we are viewed. This is pretty dangerous territory when it comes to forgiveness. Everyone has heart wounds where someone has caused a need to practice forgiveness. By human standards, there are degrees of severity, but to God, there is only one issue: sin. All sin separates us from a Holy God.
There are quiet times when I am praying and the Lord reminds me of a hurtful situation from years before. The key here is that it still promotes hurt in my heart. I just admit to God that I must not have complete forgiveness and ask for His divine help with it. There are circumstances where I literally work through an old situation several times, knowing that unless I get to the root, the unforgiveness seed will remain.
Unforgiveness on all levels can have devestating effects on our lives: from our physical health to our current relationships. We have to be obedient and cooperate with God toward our freedom in this area. If your heart is stirred by the Holy Spirit while reading this post, I encourage you to take a few minutes in prayer and begin seeking the Lord for help.
My Prayer: God, thank you for reminding me again about the importance of forgiveness. I pray that you bring any areas of unforgiveness in my life to the table. I choose to be obedient to Your Word. Holy Spirit, help me not store up areas of judgement and unforgiveness. I recognize that this is where my true spiritual freedom resides. In Jesus Name!
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