God's Forgiving Grace

God's Forgiving Grace  Patricia Ann, Originally posted on Sunday, September 19, 2010 

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7) 
How many times a day or in a week do we fail to offer forgiveness to those who hurt us with their words or actions? 
As humans, we are all born with a sinful nature. 
We hurt each other with our words and actions -- often unintentionally. 
 
If the hurt goes on without forgiveness offered or accepted, it can GROW into such things as bitterness, resentment, anger, hatred and contempt. 
We soon find our daily life is no longer filled with the joy and love that God desires for us, but instead we are overcome with a sense of anxiety and apprehension - days filled with depression or constant emotional or even physical pain.
 
There is GOOD NEWS for each of us in the WORD OF GOD. 
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)
God, Our Father in Heaven, never fails to forgive us for the sins we commit:  
 
“Come now and let us reason together,” says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”  (Isaiah 1:18)“
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
 
FORGIVENESS is a KEY to HEALING the wounds caused by those hurtful words or actions and it seems to be one of the hardest things that we, as God's children learn to do. 
BUT it is definitely worth a try!!
 
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
 
God does not want us carrying around any excess baggage that will weigh us down. He wants all of our burdens to be light. Feelings of guilt and unforgiveness are like heavy chains and anchors around our soul.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28)

Just as we go to Our Father for forgiveness for the sins we commit, we must also we willing to forgive those who hurt us.
And if God is willing to forgive the sins we commit, then shouldn't we do likewise - and offer forgiveness to others.  
 
Pray this prayer if you need help to forgive:
Heavenly Father,
I choose now to NO LONGER carry UNFORGIVENESS in my heart towards others.  I choose to no longer hurt myself  --  my emotional well being and my physical body  by harboring unforgiveness within me. Please help me when I falter or fail.  In Jesus name, AMEN.
 
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)

Remember~~  Sometimes it is VERY HARD, but as God's Children we all: 
“..... have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7).
 
My prayer for you today is that you  will desire to let go of unforgiveness and experience the healing power of Jesus Christ through the forgiveness of sin.
 
 God's  Blessings to you ~~today and every day!!