Hey young lady, how are you doing this morning? Grab and cup and pull up a chair. I have a question for you. Are you harboring any ill feelings towards anyone? Are you holding on to something that someone did to you in elementary school, middle school, high school and/or college. Are you walking around with a hard heart because you are not willing to forgive?
Today, I want to encourage you to FORGIVE. When you forgive it does not mean you forget but it does mean that you take your power back. Whether you know it or not when you hold on to negative things done to you, you give that person all your power. Power of creating stress and tension by the mere mention of their name. Power to ruin your day when they come into your presence. Power to push your buttons with a look or stare. Trust me sister, no one is worth that much of your energy. Release them and more importantly, release yourself.
I know what you are thinking but Coach Leslie it is so hard. You are right especially if it was an adult you trusted, a so-called best friend that is why you can not do it in your own strength. Seek the Holy Spirit for the knowledge and understanding to forgive. Ask for the strength and wisdom to forgive. Pray and ask God to help you to forgive.
When the Holy Spirit begins to move, each and every time gets a little easier. You are able to hear their name without stressing out, you will be able to see them and within a few moments they are a distant memory. Before you know it, you will be able to even speak to them and not feel like your heart is about to burst out of anger and fear. Oh when you invite the Holy Spirit to take charge, He gets the job done. He may even require that you ASK for forgiveness.
I know, I know you might now have anything wrong. When God is trying to stretch you, He will require you to do things that will crucify your flesh. As Christians we are not to walk by how we “feel” we are to live by the word of God. If asking for forgiveness is what it takes – then you must be willing to do it.
In asking for forgiveness you are not admitting any right or wrong done. Your mission should be to share that you were harboring some ill feelings about a particular situation and now you want to release yourself and that person so that you can take charge of your life. You might be shocked to find that the other person had no idea that you were that deeply offended and may just ask you for forgiveness. In that moment, a relationship can be restored. You might not be the best of friends but you can at least be cordial and trust me no one will be mad but the devil.
Sometimes good people do terrible things and for the most part people are doing the best that they can and it is up to us as believers to show people a more excellent way. I am not going to lie to you, it gets tough sometimes taking the high road but the payoffs are so worth it.
Now lil sister there will be some people who will want to keep you on the hook. Some will use this ole “If I have offended you, I am sorry line.” I am always amazed at that because I am thinking, it is not IF because I just told you that you DID offend me:)
Many of us hold on to unforgiveness for the perceived “payoff’. We like the attention it brings us when we rehash it over and over again. Someone of us have been telling the same sad story for months and even years. Many of us have allowed our heart to become so hard that we can not even see how the unforgiveness has caused us to walk in denial. We are angry and tell ourselves that no one understands. We feel that everyone is wrong but us and so we wear the hurt and pain like a badge of honor.
Ask yourself how many people are walking around with bitterness in their heart because of something that you have said or done? Whether you meant it or not.
Remember what you do for others, God will do for you. Forgiveness frees you so that you can grow and go in Christ.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Are you holding on to any offense and why?
TODAY’S CHALLENGE: Forgive someone for an offense. Pray and see where the Lord leads you. Will he require that you speak with that person or just release them and yourself through prayer.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:12-15
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Your Purpose Partner,
Coach Leslie
