Today our hearts need to be still in the forgiveness that the Lord pours upon us.

As we quiet ourselves in His presence, we need to ask Him to reveal who we need to forgive so that we may move on in our lives, ministries, and service. As a pastor recently said, “we don’t always forgive because they say they’re sorry, but we forgive for ourselves.” And we don’t forgive to make ourselves feel better, but to release bitterness and resentment which holds a believer down.

Sometimes the hurt or the irritations build upon one another. Little mounds of snippy or arrogant words and behaviors are topped off with wily crude jokes and superior attitudes. People pay no mind to whom they throw their drivel when they elevate themselves. They fail to think that others may be able to speak truth into a situation, have some knowledge base over matters, or simply can see past the rubbish and into the legitimacy of what is going on.

All of these attitudes coupled with rumors, gossip, and position make little room for compassion or the urge to understand the reality of another’s life matters. The crown is theirs and their voice is the captain.

Their hurt stabs at different levels and just when you think you can brush it off, forgive the little things, and move on, anger runs in flailing its awkward limbs and slipping about on the ups and downs of the emotions you thought you finally put to rest.

Thank goodness for good pastors who speak good words ordained by our Good, Good Father.

James 5: 7-12 

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.

Forgiveness. I pray that the Lord forgives this bitterness of heart that I have carried for years over any situation that has haunted me. I pray that He forgives me for bitterness and frustration that I hold toward people who like to swing their fists in our direction. I pray that the Lord opens my heart to seek forgiveness for the way I have treated anyone in an ill manner along the way that I have not previously repented of.

Forgiven. I pray that the Lord directs my heart to forgive others for the hurt they have caused me or my family over the years. I pray that in extreme cases of mistrust, I can forgive the action despite what physical actions need to be in place for the future. Lord, please open my heart to forgive those who I feel resentment towards so that grumbling may stop in my life and in my home.

Please forgive the discontent over the hurt we have dealt with for years and set us free, Lord. Let our hearts be recommitted to walking in true light no matter the hurt.

Psalm 32:5

I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

More from this short series found at this link.