Welcome to Day 2 of the God Kind of Love Blog Series.
This series is inspired by the characteristics of Love mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a.
Yesterday we learnt about the definitions and types of love found in the Bible.
Click here to read yesterday's blog post.
The focus of todays blog is Love does not hold record of wrongs in 1 Corinthians 13:5.
Love does not hold a record of wrongs also means that Love is forgiveness.
Is there anyone in your life including yourself that you need to forgive?
What is forgiveness?
Forgiveness is when you let go of mistakes and hold no grudge/no blame/no fault against yourself or another person.
Forgiveness is a requirement and is a choice.
God wants us to forgive and not harbour anything against our neighbour.
Forgiveness is for you, not the other person.
When we choose not to forgive we are essentially trying to avenge or seek justice ourselves.
Romans 12:19 states "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
The Bible says that God will avenge on our behalf. Therefore we need to let go off all the records of wrongs/complaints/fault finding and blame and let God who is just deal with it.
If you find it hard to forgive, I want to answer the following questions.
Who in your life do you need to forgive and forget for a past grudge or offence?
What is the event that led to the offence which has not been forgiven?
When did the offence occur?
How did it make you feel?
How is your relationship with the person who offended you?
What action step can you take today towards healing and forgiveness?
What Bible verse will you stand on to help you when it comes to forgiveness?
Please note that forgiveness does not always mean reconciliation.
What action do you take when you are offended ?
Is it...
A. You forgive and let go.
B. You tell the other person but hold a grudge against them.
C. You hold in your offence without speaking up
If you said A, this means that you are demonstrating what God expects from us as Christians with regards to forgiveness.
On the contrary, if you said B or C, this does that there is unforgiveness in your heart.
When we are offended or don't forgive, it can lead to anger or bitterness which has an impact on many aspects of our life.
Do you know unforgiveness could be the root cause of some of your problems?
When we don't forgive others, God does not forgive our sins. Matthew 6:15
Forgiveness allows you to feel release and be free.
Free from the heaviness!
Free from the tension!
Free from the shame!
Free from the guilt!
Free from the bitterness !
For whosoever the son of man sets free is free indeed. John 8:36
Forgiveness brings freedom.
Tips to start your forgiveness
Write down the offence in full detail stating all your feelings
Pray to God with your true feelings regarding the offence and ask Him to strengthen you to forgive.
Speak to the other person.
Let Go and Let God.
Do all you can to live in peace with all people. Romans 12:18.
Forgive, Forget and Be Free!
Yours in sisterly love
Sylvia.