it's once again time for the illuminated word project. each month i join a group of ladies to discuss a verse of scripture that has spoken to our hearts during the month. this month i would like to share the following verse:
Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. "
"you are forgiven." three simple words, yet at times, they can be the hardest words to say.
this weekend our two year old daughter told my husband that her brother hit her while he was playing the wii. this is something we aren't very proud of as parents, but admittedly bad behavior does indeed take place between our 8, 5, and 2 year old children. my husband disciplined my son and then he requested that my son apologize to our daughter.
my son has a terribly hard time with saying i'm sorry. i think this is hard for a lot of children. on the other hand, i notice that children can be so quick to forgive one another. they quickly say "that's okay." or something of the like. and then the matter is forgotten and they move on.
as adults, it can be so hard to really forgive one another when we are hurt. sometimes it seems easier to harbor feelings of resentment, anger, and sadness, then to say i forgive you. why can't we be like my 2 year old who quickly says "it's okay, bubby"... and then embraces him with a hug and a smile? indeed there are many reasons why we instinctively don't do this, but the bible clearly tells us to forgive one another as Christ forgives us.
have you heard the latest song by mathew west? if not, you can hear the song here and you can read the story behind the song here. i can't seem to get this song out of my head. the words are just that powerful:
It's the hardest thing to give away And the last thing on your mind today It always goes to those that don't deserve
It's the opposite of how you feel When the pain they caused is just to real It takes everything you have just to say the word...
Forgiveness Forgiveness
It flies in the face of all your pride It moves away the mad inside It's always anger's own worst enemy Even when the jury and the judge Say you gotta right to hold a grudge It's the whisper in your ear saying 'Set It Free'
Forgiveness, Forgiveness Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Show me how to love the unlovable Show me how to reach the unreachable Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Help me now to do the impossible Forgiveness
It'll clear the bitterness away It can even set a prisoner free There is no end to what it's power can do So, let it go and be amazed By what you see through eyes of grace The prisoner that it really frees is you
Forgiveness, Forgiveness Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Show me how to love the unlovable Show me how to reach the unreachable Help me now to do the impossible Forgiveness
I want to finally set it free So show me how to see what Your mercy sees Help me now to give what You gave to me Forgiveness, Forgiveness
the highlighted words stand out to me
" It'll clear the bitterness away. It can even set a prisoner free. There is no end to what it's power can do. So, let it go and be amazed. By what you see through eyes of grace . The prisoner that it really frees is you"
you see, by forgiving even the worst of sins done to us, we are the one who becomes free. it's amazing how Jesus works in this way. i cannot say this is easy, but through Him you can let go and experience this freedom. is there something that is holding you as a prisoner today? is there someone who has hurt you beyond repair? go to our Lord and ask Him to show you how to experience this freedom. ask Him to heal your heart, so that you can experience your life to its fullest. its not an easy road, but i guarantee you will find blessings at the end of it. and maybe for you its not a big thing but a lot of small things that have just added up over time. don't harbor those feelings inside.
or are you the "someone" that needs forgiveness? do you feel like your sins are too much for God to forgive? do you live with guilt and the burden of not even forgiving yourself? the bible clearly speaks to us on this as well many times. i'll leave you with another verse:
Acts 13:38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
don't let an unforgiving heart rob you of today. i pray these passages will speak to you as they have to me.
please continue to follow our blog circle and see what scripture the fabulous Gail Pomare | Santa Cruz, San Jose Lifestyle Photographer has to share with us this month. i am always very inspired by her words and images.