I'm afraid as I write this that many will not read any further than the first paragraph but I am convinced this is exactly what God has asked me to write about. Forgiving those who have hurt us is one of, if not the hardest thing, we humans find to do. Yet is one of the most destructive conditions of the human heart if allowed to fester and grow within us. Hardening our hearts and refusing to forgive others will not only cause physical harm to the body but will also cause us to harm our Spiritual condition; our walk with the Lord will suffer greatly when we refuse to forgive others.

Matthew 6:14-15 KJV 14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

I personally believe that we need to look back to 'original sin' to find the answer as to why we have so much trouble forgiving others. When we are hurt by others it is our 'pride' that bears the brunt of the shame we feel when we are hurt. Isn't it odd that man has come so far in the last six thousand years yet 'pride' is still the sin that causes us the most harm? It was 'pride' that caused Lucifer's downfall and 'pride' today that causes our downfall. I believe it was the 'pride' in the hearts of the Pharisee's that would not let them accept Jesus as the Messiah because He did not come as the conquering King they expected but instead came as the sacrificial Lamb. The Pharisee's did not see their sin; after all, they followed the Mosaic Law and did not think they needed to be saved.



In their 'pride' of self the religious leaders of Christ' day changed and corrupted the word of God to justify their evil ways, never coming to the understanding that it is God who searches the heart.

Jeremiah 17:10 KJV I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.



Psalm 44:21 KJV Shall not God search this out? For he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

How many times have you heard it said: "The more things change the more they stay the same?" Or to use King Solomon's words ---

Ecclesiastes 1:9 KJV The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.



We find many religious leaders today who with their 'pride' of self and their accomplishments have again changed and corrupted the word of God and have led the people astray just as the Pharisee's did in Christ' day.

But it is not the religious leaders of today that concern me because they will answer to the Almighty God who searches the hearts. It is you, the child of God, who has been called to receive His mercy and grace. You are the one who is told to let your light shine that Christ may be seen in you. It is you that Jesus commands to forgive as you have been forgiven.

Matthew 18:21-22 KJV 21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.



I'm sure most of you know the parable Jesus spoke after saying the above. I would urge you to read it again slowly and then take to heart the words of the Son of God. Read Matthew 18: 23-35 as you search your heart to see if there is anyone you have not forgiven in your life.

I have seen, as I'm sure each of you have seen or maybe even felt, the hurt that can be caused by an unforgiving heart. I do not know anyone who has not been touched by this sin. Parents and children who have not seen or spoken with each other in many years; brothers and sisters, friends and co-workers, families and even church members all fall prey to their 'pride' and allow themselves to miss out on all the love and memories they could have shared.



1 Timothy 6:7 KJV For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

Although we know from scripture we will take nothing temporal or earthly with us out of this world when our time to go home is come, I do believe we will keep the memories of the love we shared while here on this earth. Don't let your 'pride' destroy the joy and love you have to share. Understand 'pride' is sin and you as a Christian have been commanded to forgive as you have been forgiven.

Ephesians 4:32 KJV And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.



We have a great opportunity with the coming of a new year to start it out by following Paul's words to the Ephesians. They are words of wisdom that just might change your whole life. We may not have much time left on this earth before our Saviour returns for us --- don't waste what you have left holding on to perceived hurts, free yourself to love and be loved!

As I sit here in front of my computer writing the last devotion of the year for 2007, I think about all the mercy, grace and blessings I have received this year. All the trials God has walked with me through. All the strength He has provided me with and I stand in AWE of what a personal God we have who knows our every thought, who knows the secrets of our hearts and meets our every need; the God who answers our prayers and the God who keeps all His promises. If this is the same God you know and love then I leave you this year with one final challenge --- LEARN HOW TO FORGIVE! It will change your life here on earth and bring glory to the Father for eternity.



May God bless and keep you in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Bob Goulding © December 2007

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