Part 2 of 2 - Are you ready and willing to forgive others and come closer to Christ?

Are you ready and willing to forgive others and come closer to Christ? Do you believe God forgives - even though you might have done unthinkable deeds against Him and people He put in your life to love and cherish? Are you sinking in sin without peace and joy in your heart? God is bigger than any burden, ready and waiting to forgive His repentant children, and able to bring blessings beyond belief when you step in faith, forgive, and put your trust in Him!

God’s forgiveness comes when we are willing and obedient in forgiving others…every time! May these five reasons we must forgive touch hearts of readers as they have mine. We can’t be forgiven is we don’t forgive. Forgiveness is necessary for our healing. It brings peace of mind. Forgiveness destroys our enemies. Forgiveness can heal our broken hearts and families, bringing blessings beyond belief!

As this story stirs, the time for forgiving and faithfully following Christ is nigh ‘ for such a time as this’! ‘Jesus is waiting to enter our hearts - what is our answer to Him’?

Why forgive? “For is you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6: 13

These five reasons we must forgive others can spark the need to do it immediately. We can’t be forgiven if we don’t forgive. It’s essential for our healing. It brings peace of mind, destroys our enemies, and can heal our brokenness. Forgiving is an act of our will…not our feelings! We make the decision to forgive and not hold hard feelings even if the person (s) has no remorse. That can be difficult, but when we do our part, God sees our forgiving hearts and helps us go forth.

‘You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 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.”

Forgiveness is a process, a battle in our minds. Let us consistently choose to love, do good, bless, and pray for those who have hurt us. Memories of offenses, anger, and desire for revenge will go away when we focus on our Father and stir our faith with fruit of the Holy Spirit. God will literally change our hearts as we surrender our woes and worries, fears and forgiving others to Him!

So, are we forgiving people in a world where sin is rampant and disconnecting from God’s Word and Jesus’ ways is real? How can we understand how forgiveness really works? We can’t, but God explains it beautifully in Isaiah 55:9.

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

We aren’t asked by God…can’t even begin to understand. Yet, we are asked to stay “In Touch” with God, to LOVE, forgive, and obey! Let’s not delay for Jesus could return any day…just forgive, follow your heart, and enjoy sharing His Word and ways every day!