Word for the day "It's time to forgive"

Matthew 6:15 (NKJV) But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 

Forgiveness is a critical component of our spiritual and personal development. 

Forgiveness is a human and spiritual practice we all need desperately. Though you may think of God as the final giver of forgiveness, you and I have the power to forgive as well.

Doing so can help us avoid real bitterness and resentment and often will restore relationships in marriage, family, careers, ministry, friendships.

How are you doing with forgiveness?

The world we live in today holds few if any compensation for those who remain angrily focused upon the past.

Still, the act of forgiveness is difficult for all even for the most honorable men and women.

Are you trapped in the prison of bitterness or regret? If so, you are not only disobeying God’s Word; you are also thwarting your destiny and the purposes of your life.

Our destiny can be ruined without the grace of extending forgiveness to yourself or others.

Being weak, imperfect human beings, most of us are quick to anger, quick to blame, slow to forgive, and if the truth be told even slower to forget.

Yet as men and women of God, we are commanded to forgive others, just as we, too, have been forgiven (Ephesians 4:32).

Reaching a place of true forgiveness is not about you deciding that what someone did is okay or if it was not. Forgiving does not mean you have to forget (is that even possible?).

What forgiveness is: eliminating the negativity that results from hurt by letting go of emotional baggage.

If there exists even one person, alive or dead with whom you hold unforgiveness towards, it’s time to forgive.

Or, if you are disgruntled against yourself for some past mistake or shortcoming, it’s finally time to forgive yourself and move on.

Hatred, bitterness, and regret are not part of God’s plan for your life.

Embracing forgiveness empowers us in our daily lives.

Forgiveness lets us regain our personal power. Our anger, regret, hatred, or resentment towards someone means that we are giving up our power to that person.

Envision forgiveness to set you free from any and everything that holds you captive, held by the one who wronged you.

Until you can forgive, you won’t be released and the thing or person holding you captive will still have an unhealthy hold on you.

Forgiveness brings you back to good physical and mental health.

The systems of the body respond to negative emotions, affecting the immune system in ways that would blow your mind. Releasing those emotions is a good idea.

Point to ponder

When the pain of holding on to the wrongdoing in the past continues to follow you into the future, you have a choice, be bitter or let it go and be set free in Jesus' name!

Special thanks!

Pastor James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of January 2020, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. David Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Darlene Simmons,  Ms. Itholear Abbott,  Mrs. Barbara Mason,  Ms. Theresa Lewis, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Ms. Ashley Baker, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.

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