It’s rather a simple word, and it beats at the core of many religions, especially when it comes to Christianity. Yes, a powerful principle that can set people free from bondage, fear, rejection and self-loathing and hate. As humans we are all dysfunctional, and we have to forgive daily in order to see growth and true freedom.
There are powerful spiritual lessons that can help with spiritual warfare along with strengthen our prayer life. We know it is natural to want to strike back when there is an injustice and nothing seems to rectify it.
However, we need to give God the reigns if moving forward is going to happen. There is a choice. You have it when there is little control of suffering—we don’t have to be a punching bag, we can walk way as well. This does not get you off the hook. Forgive.
Guess what? Nobody deserves forgiveness, we don’t. But God does, plus forgiveness helps your overall health, and emotional wellbeing. Stephen forgave those who were stoning him.
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Jesus instructed us to forgive and shared with Peter. “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Let’s take a look at four prayers to help you on the journey of forgiveness. You can do this!
1. Lord, I am dealing with offense. I can’t seem to shake off their betrayal. I really want justice and this anger consumes me. I come to humble myself before you and seek forgiveness, please take this pain, and burden away from me today for I am weak. I take this person and give them to you, it is you who judges.
2. Create in me a clean heart. Hide the Word of God in my heart, I forgive __________. They really hurt me in this situation, and it seems there will never be a rest in this area. Fret no yourself with evildoers, you said, Father. Help me.
3. You said if you will forgive me of my sins and delight myself in you—you will answer. You are God that can free me from this trap of anger and unforgiveness. "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:44 and 45).”
4. Praying scripture also is powerful. Find a few that encourage you, and personalize it. Replace the “you” with your name. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you (name) rest. Take my yoke upon you (name), and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you (name) will find rest for your (name) souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
We are imperfect. Work on rebuilding your strength in the Word. If you’re weary spiritually you will be more apt to not let go of the small offences. Choose to trust God. He will finish His perfect work. Put it down and let it go—the unforgiveness. Even if it takes 100 times a day, it is not worth it. He will take care of your needs. Be quick to forgive. Exchange their image for His.
