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"And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors."
(Matthew 6:12)
The title for today's devotion comes from Lysa TerKeurst's new book, Forgiving What You Can't Forget. I am currently reading it, and by the time these devotions are published, I am pretty sure I will have completed the book. Lysa is very transparent in this book and addresses her husband's unfaithfulness and the journey it put her on. I shared with my wife, Ashley, that there is not a wasted sentence in this book. It seems like every word in it is written with much thought and purpose. I highly recommend you read it, especially if you are someone who struggles with forgiving those who have hurt you. Wait a second... isn't that all of us?!
To be forgiven and to forgive others is such a blessed way to live life. What a great time of the year to receive God's forgiveness made available to us through the death of Christ for our sins. It is also a wonderful time of the year to grant forgiveness to those who have harmed or injured us. Is it easy? No, but God who graciously forgives us all our sins and transgressions will empower us to do what we could never do in our own strength: forgive others.
Forgiveness is a precious gift both to receive and to give to others. Forgiveness means a hurt, harm, or insult has been committed. There is an offended party and one who has committed the offense. When the hurt comes, what we do next reveals much about us and our relationship with God. It is very easy to talk about forgiveness but another matter altogether to actually forgive someone who has hurt you or caused tremendous pain and damage to you or your loved ones.
A very helpful part of Forgiving What You Can't Forget is how TerKeurst helps the reader understand that the journey to forgiveness takes time. She gently takes you by the hand and walks with you to the other side where there is freedom and peace.
I am so grateful that Jesus forgives us our debts, sins, and transgressions. He restores the broken relationship between us and our heavenly Father. Through His death on the cross and resurrection, He made a way when there was no way. Praise God for His forgiveness of my sins! Furthermore, this same all-powerful God is the only One who empowers us to forgive those indebted to us.
You are not alone on this journey. God is with you. He is for you. He will bring you to the other side. Keep trusting Him. He is working.
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