Forgiveness

     The power of forgiveness promotes reconciliation between God and humankind.  The power of forgiveness allows us to heal from the past, the present, and the future.  It also promotes inner peace. “When I kept silence my bones waxed old through my roaring all the daylong” (Psalm 32:3KJV). Once we forgive those who have wronged us then we receive an inner peace. Forgiveness not only promotes peace, it also sparks joy. This is true whether we are forgiving someone or we are being forgiven. In order for us to receive the fullness of joy, we must be the first to say, I am sorry in many cases.
    Many feel forgiveness should be earned but that is not scriptural approach.  Scripture encourages us to forgive unconditionally, repeated over and over until the issue has been made right.  As Christians we should take every opportunity to walk in forgiveness with all that we know have wronged us. We should take every opportunity to extend forgiveness as a Christian duty (Excerpts  taken from the Sunday School Lesson for November 6, 2011).

    A PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS

    Father, In the Name of Jesus, I make a fresh commitment to You to live in peace and harmony—not only with my brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ, but with my friends, associates, neighbors, family, and co-workers, too.
    I let go of all bitterness, resentment, envying, strife, and unkindness in any form. I give no place to the devil, In the Name of Jesus.
    Now Father, I ask Your forgiveness.  By faith I receive it.  I am cleansed from all unrighteousness through Jesus Christ. As I forgive and release all who have wronged and hurt me, I ask You to forgive and release them.  Deal with them in Your mercy and loving kindness.
    From this moment on, I set myself to walk in love to seek peace, to live in agreement, and to conduct myself toward others in a manner that is pleasing to you.
    It is written in Your Word that the love of God has been shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost. I believe that Your love flows out from me to everyone I come in contact with. In Jesus’ Name, I receive it done.  Amen.

Remember it is peaceful when you walk in forgiveness with all men. Annie Eskridge, author of Sin Abides. website: www.ruthplace.com or email me at arekridge@sbcglobal.net