Forgiveness
Jesus tells us that we are called to forgive always. The person who holds a grudge and refuses to forgive is weighed down and burdened. Just as God is merciful to us, we are called to be merciful and forgiving to those who have wronged us. We must let go and allow God to work in us.
Christ’s message of forgiveness calls us to live in freedom, but we have to want to be free. Forgiveness is ultimately a personal choice we must make. God has granted us free will and we must exercise it to experience the freedom we are so desperately seeking. We must unite ourselves to God through prayer, because we know that we cannot forgive others on our own. Prayer becomes the dialogue of love where God communicates His strength to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Armed with the Spirit of God, we are given the grace to overcome our weaknesses and ultimately forgive others.
Christ came to liberate us from our anger and resentments. He challenges us to follow in His example and pray for those who have harmed us. When we truly forgive our fellow brothers and sisters, we not only liberate them, but we liberate ourselves in the process.
Today’s Tip: Today, think of the grudges you may be holding or the person in your life that you may need to forgive, and make the choice to fully forgive them. Ask God to give you the strength to let go of what is hurting you and allow His grace and peace to fill your heart.