FORGIVENESS; A HEALING BALM

FORGIVENESS; A HEALING BALM

MAIN TEXT – ROMANS 12:21

Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.

Romans 13:8 – Owe no man anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

There is always great suffering when friends and families are fractured and unwilling to forgive. It is a truism that we honour God when we make reconciliation with others a priority. We cannot undo yesterday but we can act today to influence tomorrow. The gospel of Jesus Christ brings the promise of peace and reconciliation with God and men.

When Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive a brother who sinned against him (Matthew 18:21), the Lord surprised everyone with His answer of seventy times seven (vs 22). As god freely forgives us, so He requires that we extend what we have received to others. As we do this, we experience an inner peace and tranquility which can only come through this act and it is only when we forgive that we can fully enjoy communion with the Heavenly Father.

Forgiveness is a healing balm to the one who is forgiving and the person receiving forgiveness. Grudges are a burden too heavy to carry. Revenge imprisons us but forgiveness sets us free. Instead of returning evil for evil, we may live by Christ – honouring and spirit-empowered alternatives: Live at peace with everyone (Rom 12:8), Submit to a spiritual mediator (1 Cor 6:1-6) and leave it in God’s hands.

FORGIVENESS IS A THERAPY THAT SOOTHES AND HEALS THE MIND

Prayer Point – oh Lord, I forgive everyone. Help me to reconcile with them and live peacefully in Jesus name

BY BISHOP NGOZI DURUEKE (HE REIGNS CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL) To send your testimony, write us: mylivingwaterdevotional@gmail.com.