Forgiveness Is A Gift

Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself —Suzanne Summers.

On the surface, this quote sounds like it’s all about you.
Doesn’t it?

True. Forgiveness is in your best interest. You’re the first to experience the blessing when you
forgive.

But.  

What about the person you forgive?

That’s a significant gift to someone who has hurt you.
Instead of seeking revenge, you put your feelings aside; forget about the
damage they did to you, your children, spouse, parents; anyone close and dear
to you, or your property. It takes a lot out of you to do that. That’s like
sacrificing what’s precious to you.

Sacrifice is painful.

So you want the perpetrator to pay! Don’t feel guilty or
ashamed about that. Only make sure you deal with those feelings the way God
wants to.

God demands payment for every sin. You belong to God. Don’t
ever think He lets anyone who hurt you off the hook. Your spirit knows it and
waits on God to deal with the situation. Your soul knows it and cries out to
God, and your flesh wants you to take things in your hands. But the flesh
cannot please God, and that’s a challenge. There is a war waging in your
emotions because you know the right thing to do.

“I don’t want to forgive. But Lord, You want me to
forgive. I will do what you want me to do.”

 “I forgive.” 

Peace fills you and wraps around you as you could never have
imagined. That’s when you realize; the sacrifice is not yours, it’s God’s. He
sacrificed His Son Jesus who took the pain of forgiveness for each and every
person on earth. That includes the people you forgive.

Get this.

It’s NOT humanly possible to forgive! Unless you surrender your will to God, it will be your sacrifice, and if it’s your sacrifice, it’s your pain. You will always hurt.

In my book; Forgiveness. What’s the Big Deal? I explain how
forgiveness takes place in our spirit by the Spirit of God. We need God’s help.

It’s your gift.

God provides forgiveness for us just like everything else
that we need to live godly, healthy, and happy lives. All we have to do is receive it
from Him and give it to others.

Giving the gift of forgiveness is not only selfless; it’s
one of the most loving things you can do for someone. Nothing you do will
please God more. That’s why God’s reward for giving the gift of forgiveness is
so valuable.

Ephesians 5:1-2

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you

are his dear children.

Live a life filled with love, following the example of
Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma
to God.

You are never more like your Heavenly Father God than when
you forgive.

Do it now!