Dear Ones,

Hope you have a great weekend. Thank you for prayers as we arrived safely to Olathe and enjoyed time with Kurt’s family. We had delicious steak last night and warm peach crisp as we shared stories with much laughter. We plan to go to church this evening as we will be going to Lily’s game at K State tomorrow. 

Devotions from Judy’s heartMost every day of our lives we have to forgive, not just because of the actions of others, but sometimes it means forgiving ourselves or the Lord. When we experience hurts, we have a choice if we want to show revenge or if we want to offer forgiveness, and that decision may leave us either angry and hateful or free to move forward.

We have only to remember all that the Lord has forgiven us, though we are undeserving. He paid the price of forgiveness before we even asked for it, and he tells us to forgive others as we have been forgiven. (Matt. 6:12) He also says He won’t forgive us if we refuse to forgive others. So we need to take seriously the need to forgive. That doesn’t mean we that when we forgive we make light of the pain of their offense, or even that we will simply forget about it. But the Lord can help us view offenses without their destructive power over us.

Forgiveness doesn’t necessarily mean reconciliation in that we can trust the person again, for it may not be wise or safe in some circumstances. Trust needs to be earned and that takes time. Forgiveness is healthy and good both for us and for those who have hurt us. Statistics show that those who forgive are happier in life, have better health, lower blood pressure and less stress. If the Lord shows us hidden things in our lives that need forgiveness, we are also not to brush that aside but confess those things and receive grace and forgiveness.

How do we go about forgiving? Ev Worthington gives a five step process for forgiving others and first, it is good to recall the hurt and recognize the wrong that has been done. Then empathize where the person who hurt us is coming from, for they are may be hurting. Next offer the gift of forgiveness because we have been forgiven. Commit to forgiveness and then hold on to forgiveness by not seeking revenge or nursing hurt feelings. Keep reminding yourself you have forgiven the person and then pray for them. Remember forgiveness is a process and takes time!

Challenge for today: When hurt by another, offer forgiveness and ask the Lord to change your heart toward that person.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy