Are you walking in the power of forgiveness or wallowing in bitterness? Forgiveness removes the sting of sin. When we forgive, the venom in the serpent's bite is neutralized. You are effectively stopping the poison in your blood and preventing death.
We all have the strength to forgive, but it is a choice. I was reading when I came across this message; and it was meant for me to read. Many times I am hurt by people and instead of forgiving, I hold on to the hurt and keep in it, which then leads me to bitterness. I also struggle with forgiveness of my past; I realized it is very hard to forgive when an apology isn't presented.
I grew up in a world of pain and didn't realize the effect it has had on me in my every day life now and my future and it is only my fault for holding on to it. If God can forgive after the numerous amounts of sin we all made and make; why couldn't I? I now have to decided if I want God's world to control me or my self-centered emotions rule my life. Of course the choice is obvious, but the feelings of resentment or pain don't go away over night; it is still a process; but how can we move on if we don't forgive?
The lesson is the enemy will use our refusal to forgive to steal our joy and peace! Heb. 12:14 "Make every effort to live in Peace with all men and to be holy, without holiness no one will see the lord." Forgiving the past or a person makes your life full of peace, though asking for forgiveness or forgiving takes a lot of effort sometimes; it takes a lot more effort to hold on to bitterness and also takes a toll on your spirit and physical body.
WOW!Ashley I read this over and over.. Very powerful.. I believe you are so much wiser than your years.. and it does take a lot more effort to hold on to bitterness than to just forgive and to hold on to what is the most important in your life..And take it from me bitterness does take a toll on your spirit and physical body.. not sure of this posting from you was meant for me but man it sure means a lot. luv ya
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