“Let it Go – The F Word“
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” Matthew 6:15
When most people think of the F word, they think of the four letter expletive that is widely known as profanity. However, among believers and unbelievers alike, there is another F word that is not casually thrown around – though we should be embracing it more and more. Releasing this F word proves to be more gratifying because it allows us to overcome in a different way.
In chapter 6 of the book of Matthew, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray using what we now refer to as “The Lord’s Prayer”. A key element of this model is the need to seek forgiveness. While we stand before God praying, it is imperative that we forgive any offenses that have been committed against us, thereby preventing unforgiveness to hinder our pleas. Forgiveness is so crucial that Jesus revisits the principle at the end of the prayer. Essentially, He tells us that forgiving others will allow God to release forgiveness to us.
Forgiveness may not be discussed extensively within Christian circles because we may tend to believe that it is implied. We assume that we have forgiven people when we choose to stop talking about the offense or hurt. However, this does not necessarily indicate that we are committed to moving on. As we work towards forgiveness, we must resist the temptation to keep a record of wrongs. We know the facts, however we cannot expend our time and energy rehearsing the details with the hope of being justified. True forgiveness will require us to see past offenses and begin the work of reconciliation and restoration.
Moreover, forgiveness is not dependent on the other person. Forgiveness is dependent on you. That means, you extend the forgiveness even before an apology is given or even if the apology is never given. It is not conditional on any terms, circumstances or contrition. Rather, it is reflective of the love that we are to demonstrate as believers. Yet still, forgiveness does not restrict us from pursuing healthy communication to address the wrong-doing (Matthew 18:15, Luke 17:3).
Regardless of how much time has passed, forgiveness will release us from the power of the offense, without affirming what transpired. It will motivate us to rectify relationships where damage has occurred – because it’s inevitable that offenses will occur.
You can’t carry that baggage with you into the next level. You need to make a choice to let it go.
Reflection:
What conversations do you need to have?
Are you getting in your own way because you have not truly forgiven those who’ve offended you?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for forgiving me. I would not be here if it weren’t for Your forgiveness. God, it’s not easy, but I pray that You will help me to forgive others. I pray that You will heal me and help me let go. I believe that the release of forgiveness will allow me to overcome, and allow me to be everything You have called me to be unhindered. In Jesus name, Amen.
Written by Deborah Nimoh
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