Just like when I went bungee jumping….Ahhhhhh
When I looked up the definition of forgiveness, it was as if the Merriam-Webster Dictionary now has a “simplified” version along with the (I guess) “more complicated” definition of words. Seriously…a “dictionary for dummies”. Well, no matter what one may call it, I liked it. “Simple Shuff” that’s me.
Check this out…Simple Definition of forgive:
- : to stop feeling anger toward (someone who has done something wrong) : to stop blaming (someone)
- : to stop feeling anger about (something) : to forgive someone for (something wrong)
- : to stop requiring payment of (money that is owed)
I agree. When you forgive someone the feelings of anger and blame are stopped. They are replaced with peace and freedom. Truth! I have, and still do, experience it.
What I found interesting while reading the definition, was a tagline that was beside the word forgiveness. It read, Popularity: Top 10% of words. Wow! Think about that for a moment. Out of all the words people can search definitions for, forgiveness is in the top 10% of ALL words. This proves to me that people are searching. Searching for forgiveness. We all know what it means, but it appears that people still need confirmation of its definition or have a yearning to go a little deeper in its understanding.
One of the books that I’m reading now is The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children. (Can I get an “Amen”?) While I’m reading this great book, I keep shaking my head in total agreement. It’s not like she’s telling me anything that I didn’t already know or haven’t heard before, but it is a confirmation that “I’m not alone”. She sheds refreshing and powerful insight into the “already known” for we believers. One point that has had a strong effect on me is this: Before you even begin praying for your adult child, you must forgive them. Forgive them for the disappointments, worries, attitudes, etc. that they’ve caused for you. Forgive them. Until you do, your prayer for them won’t get answered. (my paraphrase, but still the point of Stormie’s.) Not only is it Stormie’s point, but God’s as well. Matthew 6:15 reads, “But if you don’t forgive others, then your Father in heaven will not forgive the wrongs you do.” As my pastor says, “Oh me, or Oh my”. This insight has been powerful and freeing for me.
Speaking of my pastor…in a journal entry from last week I mentioned, “I can’t wait until this coming Sunday’s sermon. According to the model prayer it will be on forgiveness. Two things that I love and need and must do: pray and forgive. Amen! I would like to invite you to come to my church. Visit http://fbcpc.com/ for details.” Well, here are some highlights from his sermon:
- Forgiving others is not an option.
- Our forgiving others doesn’t hinge on their apology.
- Forgiveness is a process.
- Forgiveness has a cost.
- Unforgiveness will show on you.
- When you forgive you get freedom.
- We’ve done wrong, and we’ve been wronged.
- A right response to wrong changes everything.
- “We owe a massive debt to God that we could not even begin to pay…” – John MacArthur
- The value of forgiving others is not about forgiving others. It is really about you being set free!
Friend, I hope that you will feel free today. Forgive.
“Search me O God and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139:23-24
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” Matthew 6:12
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15
I pray that you will enjoy soaking up The Son every moment of each day. –Stephanie
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