It's a God Thing!

There are so many hinderances these days. It seems that behind every corner lurks temptation or discouragement.  We know that God has given us the authority to take down every hinderance. We don't have to accept what the enemy brings our way.  

That being said, one of the obstacles that most often trips up the believer is forgiveness.  I cannot tell you how many times I have heard, "I just can't do it." The pain that comes from offense can be so deeply rooted that it stops us in our tracks.  Literally.  When we do not forgive, we are frozen in place.  The place of the offense becomes our vantage point.  Though we attempt to move forward, we operate from our pain.  Yes, we try to compartmentalize what we have gone through, but that is a temporary and sometimes, false fix.  Just because we are no longer speaking of the offense, does not mean that we have forgiven and overcome it. 

So why is forgiveness so difficult?  You cannot forgive without the help of God working in your mind and spirit.  Forgiveness is a God thing! You must accept that you are limited and flawed in your strength, but with God all things are possible.  Even forgiveness! I use the word possible, as the Bible does, because it denotes that you must take an active role in forgiveness.  The inability is not on God's part.  He has provided everything you need to forgive.  
  1. Redemption from your sins.  As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.  Psalm 103:12
  2. Clarity regarding the necessity of forgiveness. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive you sins.  Matthew 6:15
  3. Strength to forgive.  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4;13
  4. Love to forgive. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
  5. God's help to forgive. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:16
Offenses will come, but they do not have to stunt you.  You can continue to grow in the Lord. If you are struggling with the pains you've endured, be healed through forgiveness.  Grant yourself permission to let go of the pain, and take hold of the peace. Don't rely on your feelings to get you through this.  Forgiveness is not a feeling.  It's a God thing!

Reaching the lost at any cost, 
Pastor Dr. Odie Kennedy

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