While doing some counseling recently I was reminded that no one can overcome me. I was urging some folks to forgive those who had hurt them in the past. Forgiveness is not an act of your emotions, but your will. You can CHOOSE to forgive because of the grace of God, and He commands it. Also, anywhere, anytime for anything. To not make this choice is to live in bondage and bitterness and is one of the most debilitating courses any human can take.

WHAT MAKES FORGIVENESS EASY

It may seem hard to forgive, but that is because of our lack of FAITH. God tells us in Romans 12 to “never take your own revenge” and then gives us the reason: “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” In other words, forgiveness is always at its core a FAITH ISSUE, i.e., do I believe in God? Do I think He is going to come through and rectify the situation in the right way? Will justice be done?

If I believe in Him (even if I can’t see it yet) it is easy to transfer my hurt from my courtroom (where I’m judge, jury, and executioner) to His courtroom and genuinely forgive. 

James reminds us of this.

         James 5

         7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains.

         8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.

         9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.

         10 As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

         11 We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.

God PROMISES US that the “Judge is standing right at the door.” It’s nearer than you think and He’s more effective than you can imagine. Leave your enemies to His judgment. If there’s any correcting that needs to be done, He’s perfectly capable and extremely close.

THE GLORIOUS FREEDOM OF FORGIVENESS

When we release our hurts in forgiveness and trust our enemies to God, we are FREE! We realize that no one can hurt us ultimately. I can give testimony to that truth for I have experienced this firsthand many, many times. As you walk through this more and more your faith grows, your understanding of others deepens and your joy increases.

YOUR NEXT STEP

What(or who) are you holding in your hands? How do you feel when their face comes to mind? Let it go and be set free! You don’t have to wait till later, you can forgive and be released right this very moment. Cry out to God like this right now. If Satan brings it up later, remind that wicked deceiver that you’ve already placed it in God’s hands.

“Lord, by Your grace, I chose to forgive _________. I release them into your capable hands. I will not complain about this any longer for You are standing right at the door and will bring about justice with perfect timing. I trust You, O, perfect, righteous Judge and I’m grateful for your compassion and mercy towards me!