Little Forgiveness...
We've all heard and talked about forgiveness,
But when you think about "forgiveness" what do you think about?
Is it "big" things or do you think about the "little" things too?
Today, I want to put a spotlight on the "little" things that need forgiveness.
Forgiving the "little" thing is just as necessary as the "big" things.
There's actually MORE "little" things than there are "big" things so it can really add up.
"whenever you stand praying, FORGIVE"
From a spiritual battle perspective,
If Satan can't get us on the "big" things,
He will go to Plan B and try to trip us up on the "little" things.
Here some examples...
- After being on hold for an hour and the customer service person still not solving your problem, it's easy to hold onto the idea that "Their customer service is the WORST."
- When your spouse has done something wrong AGAIN it's easy to hold onto the idea that "They are ALWAYS like that."
- When a politician you don't like is breaking a promise, it's easy to hold onto a mental log of all his faults and think "He is complete scum. He deserves to..."
Unforgiveness is HOLDING onto something bad and not letting it go.
We have "little" unforgiveness that add with with strangers, spouses and leaders.
Here's a clue is...
If your blood pressure rises,
If you get more easily triggered each time something happens,
It's may be a sign that you're holding onto to something and not letting go (aka unforgiveness).
AND here's the tricky part...
The things you are holding onto are accurate,
They may contain a lot of truth,
HOWEVER, it can still bear fruits of unforgiveness.
"if one has a complaint against another, FORGIVING each other; as the Lord has FORGIVEN you, so you also must FORGIVE."
If you have a mental list of the wrongs someone has done,
If you have a cynical response like "Oh they did it AGAIN",
These are signs of unforgiveness.
"Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I FORGIVE him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times."
Unforgiveness is NOT a one time thing,
It's an ONGOING thing.
However...
Forgiveness is NOT giving someone permission to do something wrong,
Forgiveness does NOT excuse bad behavior,
But forgiveness is a POSTURE of YOUR heart,
That will affect your emotional and mental health.
You forgive for YOUR own health and well being,
Not to give someone permission to do wrong.
In case you need one more reason to forgive...
"But if you do not FORGIVE others their trespasses, neither will your Father FORGIVE your trespasses."
So what "little" thing do you need to forgive today?
"Dear Heavenly Father,
What "little" unforgiveness do I have in my heart?
What am I holding onto today?
Who do I need to forgive today?
Come into my heart,
Cleanse me of unforgiveness,
Forgive me for my trespassess,
Just as I have forgiven others.
Help me experience the freedom of TRUE forgiveness,
In all areas of my life,
Big or small,
Help me forgive it all.
In Jesus name Amen."
Cheers to cleansing our soul with forgiveness,
Big or small let God have it ALL! ^_^
