Discovering the Power of Agape Love

Chapter 22: Forgiveness

Chapter 22: Forgiveness
Music: Forgiven by Laura Story

Main Verse:1 John 1:9 ESV
[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

We are born sinners. It started when Eve disobeyed God’s instruction to them for Adam. 

She ate the fruit in the Garden of Eden then shared it to Adam, and the snake is there to deceive them. Then,  they now know the truth and everything changed. They learned a lot, and that's when they began to distance themselves from God and were punished. 

Yet, God is full of grace when they confess their sins, and accept the punishment. They received forgiveness of God, however, the lesson remains— in every disobedience you will encounter mistakes that will change your lives and move forward for something new.

When someone hurts you in many ways, some of us remain silent but deep inside have feelings of anger towards them. Forgiveness is not easy, it takes time to understand and have a peace of mind. Even so, it is important to go on with our own lives and allow us to focus on ourselves. Many people have misconceptions about what forgiveness is, or really means. Some people want to forgive, but wonder if it’s true or not.

As Christian, this is a challenge to us, but if we already surrender our lives to the Lord, we can forgive others and ourselves as well.

As Scripture says, Ephesians 4:32 ESV Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

It's also nice to feel that you've forgiven yourself even though it hurts. The people who hurt you, there's no thorn in your heart.

Forgiveness can set you free and receive a peaceful life. 

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to do, but when you have acceptance and true love for your neighbour, you can do it and surrender it to God. It's also not easy for you to do that thing alone, to forgive. You still need to pray and ask Him for help.

It is a must to do, because we can offer spiritual renewal, mental peace and emotional healing. 

Actually, even me I almost experience the hardest decisions in my life. Why do I need to forgive? Simple. “If God, who is the highest of all, forgive us. Who am I to reject or not give a chance to others?” I am just a human with feelings but I make mistakes, too. 

God showed me His love and realized to me that I need to surrender everything in my life. Yes, it was so hard and painful. They are my nightmares, still God said "My daughter, forgive them. I will also take care of the revenge for you. Don’t worry, I am here for you, always."

I choose and obey Him. Because He knows a lot about who I am. I accept everything and confess it.

So now, I try to be kind to them and forget the past issues.  I just remember God’ s promises and unending love.

There five (5) Keys to Forgiveness:

These five keys will help and enlighten us, just open our hearts and take a moment about forgiveness.

1)UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF FORGIVENESS- It is hard to do, but it makes you better and have goodness in your lives. Forgiveness is allowing yourself freedom in anger and pain, you extending your mercy from who hurt you. Just think how God forgives us.

2) KNOW YOUR INNER PAIN- Absorb everything. Know the start of your chaos, understand the situation and hold your emotions. Don’t allow yourself to trigger your limitation, take time to know the whole truth. Once you are ready, come to the Lord.

3)ASK GOD ABOUT IT- If you think you can’t take it or handle it, submit to the Lord and confess everything. He can help us and know what to do. You’re not alone, just surrender and humble yourself before Him.

4) FORGIVE YOURSELF- Acceptance is the key to enlightenment, again. Take time to heal but don’t forget yourself. Leave the past, and get a moment to move forward. Rest if needed, and cry out to the Lord. 

5) TRUST THE LORD- Believe that He can heal you from your suffering. You must be honest with Him and tell your painful story, trust His ways. After that, forgiveness is not in your hands anymore, instead you allow it in your heart and allow God in your lives to handle it.

I know it can be hard, and not easy for some of us to forgive already. But I know, the pure love and intention with God’s grace can help us to fulfil it. 

Aside from that, forgiveness leads you to have understanding, feel empathy and compassion.

Forgiveness heals you from inside and outside.
Forgiveness transforms you into something spectacular.
Forgiveness removes your pain into happiness and freedom.
Forgiveness promotes healing and emotional well-being.

Come to Him and ask forgiveness and understand this scripture,
Isaiah 1:18 ESV “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

God loves you. Dear, we are forgiven. 

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