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Forgive Yourself

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13

Life would be much simpler if we could forgive people “once and for all” and be done with it. But forgiveness is seldom that easy. For most of us, the decision to forgive is straightforward, but the process of forgiving is more difficult. Forgiveness is a journey that requires effort, time, perseverance, and prayer.

Forgiveness is seldom easy, but it is always right. When we forgive those who have hurt us, we honor God by obeying His commandments. But when we harbor bitterness against others, we disobey God – with predictably unhappy results.

Sometimes, it’s not “the other guy” that needs to forgive; it’s you. If you’ve made mistakes – and who among us hasn’t? – Perhaps you’re continuing to bear a grudge against the person in the mirror. If so, here’s a three –step process for resolving those feelings: 1. Stop the harmful behavior that is the source of your self-directed anger. 2. Seek forgiveness from God (and from any people you may have hurt). 3 Ask God to cleanse your heart of all bitterness and regret – and trust Him that He will.

Remember that bitterness, anger and regret are not part of God’s plan for your life. Forgiveness is!

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I also ask that You would help me to stop doing the things in my life that grieve you, to forgive me of my sins and that You would cleanse my heart from all bitterness and regret. I praise and thank You that Your Son died on the cross for my sins and He rose again victorious over sin, death and the evil one. Empower me to walk in Your ways and to forgive as You have forgiven me. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen