I'M NOT SURE I CAN FORGIVE...

Our sins are forgiven when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Nothing we can do makes us righteous enough to deserve such grace, but nonetheless, we have been forgiven!

Ephesians 1 : 7 (ESV)

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,"

All of us have someone to forgive. Some of us have been damaged greatly by others and it may seem impossible to forgive. But we are told :

Romans 12 : :17 (ESV)

Repay no one evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.

Ephesians 4: : 31 (ESV)

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

When you forgive, you honor God, through Him your forgiveness break chains, - chains that bind your heart and hold you captive, and chains that bind the one(s) who hurt you.

If you don't know how to forgive, start with prayer, pray that God will help you to soften your heart, and help you to forgive the person(s) who hurt you. Start with the words - "I forgive you." Even if your forgiveness was not asked for. If you are not ready to say it out loud, then say it internally., in prayer.

God looks to us to forgive others as He forgave us!

Matthew 6 : 12-14 (NMB)

"And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. "

Even though our sins have been forgiven, we will undoubtedly sin again (and again), and we will ask for forgiveness. Our Heavenly Father will forgive us if we forgive others.

Matthew 6 : 15 (ESVf)

"But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

May God Bless you and help you to forgive.

Joellen