We all have people to forgive at one time or another. That’s no sin. But what allows that unforgiveness to hang around too long and to eventually take root is pride. Pride keeps us from forgiving. Pride is the root of all bitterness. It is the character weakness that precedes the unforgiveness that allows it to linger in our lives like a stinkweed.
Pride is an ugly, haughty, vengeful belief in one’s own superiority that spreads its tentacles and grabs a hold of our hearts and doesn’t let go without a fight. Pride convinces us that that person is not deserving of our forgiveness. That we should hold onto our unforgiveness like some prize after a fight. But what pride forgets is that we don’t deserve forgiveness, either.
But God, (those precious words that interrupt someone’s existence to give them life) showed us true humility when He sent His only Son to be the bridge between us and Him; but Jesus was born a poor child and died a sinner’s death to grant us forgiveness; but the Holy Spirit allows Himself to be contained within us to ever so patiently and gently teach us and shape us, and pull out roots….
“Follow peace with all, and holiness, without which no one shall see the Lord; looking diligently lest any fail of the grace of God, or lest any root of bitterness springing up disturb you, and by it many are defiled.” (Hebrews 12:14-15)
Dorci, You shared about this in your article you shared with my readers.
ReplyDeleteThis was the one thing God really busted me on. I had held in unforgiveness and at times given the "right" circumstances, my fury would be unleashed on an unsuspecting person. This included my precious wife of 32 years.
Last year God impressed upon me to approach each person I was harboring bitterness with and ask their forgiveness for my heart attitude. This included folks who had wronged me. I was not to do anything but ask forgiveness without expecting anything in return.
As a result the burden fell away and although not all received my attempts to reconcile I know I did my part. The funny thing is how the temptation to do the same thing with others still rears its ugly head. I realize I don't have it in me to fight those temptations but Christ living through me does. God bless!
Forgiveness is something I have to constantly work on, too. Sometimes I get a little behind. Okay a lot behind. The offenses can add up pretty quickly, especially in ministry, and especially when you have two teenage boys. But when I realize how much I've been forgiven for, and when I realize I'm doing anyone any good by not forgiving, I realize need to just do it. It's good for the blood pressure, too. ;o)
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Dorci, Forgiveness isn't a one time thing with a person or persons. There will always be another that's just gonna ruffle my feathers and I have to be careful that I don't ruminate over whatever may have transpired.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest difficulty is when a person does sin against you and won't own up to it and you see them continuing the same old thing with others. I really have to watch myself as there are times I find myself getting angry.
I guess it's a battle through our entire lives, this battle with sin. Let me know when you've arrived! :mrgreen: God bless!