We have entered the Season of Giving. It’s Christmas Time! Times may be a little tight this year for some of us. You may be working off of a small budget or no budget at all for Christmas gifts. Here’s a gift you can give to someone and it won’t cost you a dime: THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS.
First of all, what is forgiveness? Well in the Bible, forgiveness is a release or dismissal of something. You are letting that thing go. Why? Because Jesus said, “For if you forgive other people, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14–15) I don’t know about you, but I want to be forgiven. So I’m going to forgive.
There are four characteristics to biblical forgiveness: remembering how much you have been forgiven, letting go of your thoughts to get even, responding to evil with good and repeating this process as many times as needed…yes…as many times as needed, according to Matthew 18:21-22. Forgiveness is not a one-and-done situation. You may have to go to the “Well of Forgiveness” multiple times for the same reason. Did you know that forgiveness is not just for the other person? It is for the person who forgives as well, and it can lead to better health. The forgiver can start to have healthier relationships, less anxiety, stress and anger. It takes a lot out of you to hold on to hurt feelings, grudges, and bitterness. Your being able to forgive others is also a gift to you! I know there’s at least three people (a nod to the Trinity), including yourself, that you can forgive this holiday season. So this Christmas, give THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS, starting with yourself, then pick two others and don’t forget to tell them that was your gift to them. They will feel better, so will you and this will also be a gift to God from you!
With Agape Love,
Willie Mae