FORGIVENESS IS GETTING FREE

 

As Christians we have the hope of life after death. For those who do not have that hope, we have the answer: invite people to our Easter Cinematic Experience! We’ve got a fantastic event in store. Invite your friends and let us know you'll be attending online by signing up » Wednesday, March 24, 2021 Good Forgivers LISTEN   “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” —Matthew 6:14–15 The Bible gives us 76 different word pictures for forgiveness, but the main word the New Testament uses for it means “to release.”  In Scripture, to forgive means to write “canceled” over a debt. However, forgiveness isn’t giving in to another person; it’s getting free of that person.  It isn’t about whether he or she deserves your forgiveness.  You may even think that you’re hurting someone by harboring a grudge against them.  But do you know who’s really getting hurt? You are. It’s like eating rat poison and waiting for the rat to die.  When we harbor anger and bitterness toward someone who has hurt us, we’re not destroying them.  We’re actually destroying ourselves.  When you withhold forgiveness, it will eat you up inside. And if you don’t forgive, then you’re choosing to hate.  One person put it this way: “The first to apologize is the bravest.  The first to forgive is the strongest.  And the first to forget is the happiest.” In fact, if you are married, then you really need to learn how to forgive.  Someone once asked Billy Graham’s wife, Ruth, what the secret was to a strong and lasting marriage.  She replied that a successful marriage is made up of two good forgivers. Is there someone you need to forgive at this very moment?  Maybe it’s your mom, your dad, your child, your friend, your coworker, or your spouse.  Has someone hurt or betrayed you, and you’re sitting around plotting your revenge? That has to stop.  Lay it at the foot of the cross, and put them in the hands of God.  You don’t want to be bound by it anymore. Let it go. Someone has wisely pointed out that when you forgive someone, you set a prisoner free: yourself.  So learn how to be a good forgiver. Share this today:     Jesus Revolution Receive a copy for your gift of support today » Jesus Revolution tells the amazing true story of the Jesus Movement, an extraordinary time of mass revival, renewal, and reconciliation. Read how the Holy Spirit was poured out on a generation of Jesus People and how revival is possible for today’s generation as well. Receive a copy with your donation. Copyright © 2021 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. Harvest Ministries exists with your support to Know God and Make Him Known. If you would like, you can update your preferences. This email may be considered an advertising or promotional email. Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie P.O. Box 4000, Riverside, CA 92514-4000 Phone: 1-800-821-3300