Forgive One Another

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. – (Matthew 6:14-15, NIV)

Yes, if you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, then your Father in heaven will also forgive your wrongs. But if you don’t forgive others, then your Father in heaven will not forgive the wrongs you do. – (Matthew 6:14-15, ERV)

In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part. – (Matthew 6:14-15, MSG)

 

As an educator, a willingness to forgive is a necessity for longevity in this field. Kids, particularly in middle school, are attempting to figure out who they are and what their place is in the world. Part of the process often includes foolishness that creates a disruption or distraction in the classroom. By the end of the day, I often shake my head and take a deep breath, grateful that every day provides the opportunity for a new start. I have to intentionally choose to let go of my frustrations and irritations, and reset to begin anew for each new class, every day. No, it does not always come easy, and often I have to forgive more than once for the same offense in my own heart, but as I do, it makes room for improvement in areas of struggle. Just as kids mess up and disrupt, I too, fall short. In the same way that grace and forgiveness are extended to them, I am grateful to be given likewise by God. May we ever choose to receive and extend forgiveness and grace freely; for God so loved that He gave, so that we would know and understand forgiveness for all.

 

Forgiveness is free,

Yet comes at a cost;

Rights to bitterness,

With grace, are all lost.

For as we forgive,

The same’s done for us;

God’s grace upon grace,

He answers requests.

So, let us go forth,

And love as we’re loved;

Promote perfect peace,

Like God up above.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You forgive us so that we might forgive one another. Thank You that You give us strength and grace to forgive others when our hearts want to hold onto offenses. Forgive us for the times that we have circled back around to an offense that has already been forgiven. Teach us to trust You more, so that we can forgive and move forward with wisdom and grace. Show us how to love as You do, extending forgiveness and grace in spaces where it is the most difficult to give. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they recognize the greatness of Your goodness and grace. Be glorified O God, as we forgive others in the same way that we have been forgiven by You. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. – Romans 4:7

Good That Overcomes

Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good. – (Romans 12:21, MSG)

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. – (Romans 12:21, NLT)

Don’t let evil defeat you, but defeat evil by doing good. – (Romans 12:21, ERV)

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. – (Romans 12:21, NIV)

 

Though a seemingly simple concept, it is often difficult to carry out. Humans have a natural inclination to seek justice when we have been “wronged“. When someone intends us harm, the last thing we want to do, is extend kindness or grace. Jesus was the ultimate example of not allowing evil to overcome Him; for even as He hung on the cross He cried out for the forgiveness of those who placed Him there, rather than for their destruction. Most of us struggle to not use ugly words when we are cut off in traffic. I had a friend growing up that used to yell, “Bless you, in Jesus Name!“, each time someone cut him off or did something stupid on the highway that could have potentially caused harm while driving. When I asked him about it, he replied that it was a way to begin to train his heart to do good, even when he wanted otherwise. He intentionally chose words that were for good, rather than for harm, even if the tone did not yet match. Granted, I know that traffic violations are hardly comparable to gross acts of evil, but if we are able to do good with the small things, perhaps our hearts will be tender and receptive as God asks us to choose to overcome evil with good in the larger things later on. May we ever seek the Lord and His wisdom and strength, so that evil may not get the best of us and we can rise up and do the good He asks of us.

 

Do not let evil,

Get the best of you;

For it’s overcome,

By good that we choose.

God provides the strength,

To rise and do well;

As we move in grace,

We overcome hell.

Evil cannot stand,

Where grace and love flow;

Let’s keep doing good,

So all may come know.

 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that evil can be defeated when we choose to do good in Your Name. Thank You that this is not something that we have to attempt to do in our own strength, but rather You equip and empower us to do that which You call us to do, so that we may overcome the darkness that would attempt to destroy us. Forgive us for thinking that we have to fight alone, or for allowing the darkness around us to overwhelm us, rather than looking to the light within. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would rely on You in all things and at all times, as You alone can overcome anything that would try to get the best of us. Show us how to love those around us, so that we would be light in dark places and do the good that overcomes that which attempts to destroy. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we conquer evil by doing the good that You call us to do. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. – Psalm 145:7