Text: Genesis 50:15-21
Memory Verse: “’Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.’ And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them” (Genesis 50:21).
Many people are not making progress in life as they ought to because they have refused to forgive those who offended them. When you refuse to forgive someone’s offence or sin, you are retaining the person’s sin; holding on to it keeps you stuck, but forgiveness will free you. When you hold on to the wrongs people have done to you, the poison contaminates you. When you do not forgive the bitterness, anger, hatred, or criticism meted out to you and retain the hurt, it can produce the same results in you. This can be detrimental to your spiritual life and physical health.
Therefore, forgive other people their sins and stay free from the poison it holds, look to God to heal your hurts and right the wrongs done to you. It can be very hard to forgive, especially when someone has hurt you deeply, but you do not have to forgive them for their sake; you forgive for God’s sake and your own sake. Forgiving does not mean you are excusing anyone or lessening the offence. Forgiveness keeps their poison out of your life and takes away their power to keep hurting you. Forgiveness is about choosing to release the hurt and trust God to heal you, so you can claim the amazing future that awaits you.
When you forgive someone, you set a prisoner free from chains of anger and bitterness. That prisoner is not the person who hurt you; the prisoner is you.
Prayer Points:
1. Father, thank You for the privilege to look to You to heal my hurts and right the wrongs done to me.
2. Help me, Holy Spirit, not to allow bitterness, anger, or any offence to control my life.