Favor in Forgiveness

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. – (Matthew 6:14, NIV)

Yes, if you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, then your Father in heaven will also forgive your wrongs. – (Matthew 6:14, ERV)

And when you pray, make sure you forgive the faults of others so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you. – (Matthew 6:14, TPT)

 

There is so much power in forgiveness and reconciliation. Last night, I had the privilege of watching this truth play out in the life of a dear friend. Quite some time ago, she had been severed from the lives of people whom she loved. It had been a point of pain for far too long, and yesterday, she decided to reach out to one of those whom she had lost. Her faithfulness to reach out in love was met with an open heart and reciprocated, and the decision to move past the pain was rewarded with tremendous joy. Though not every act of extending an opening for restoration is met and returned, whenever we choose forgiveness, God sees and knows and blesses us with His incredible grace. May we keep short accounts and choose to forgive others; for as we do, we too will be forgiven.

 

As we choose forgive, 

Freely extend grace;

God sees and meets us,

Right there in that space.

This act of free will,

In love, reaching out;

Is answered in love,

It’s what God’s about.

So, ever choose rise,

Look beyond the pain;

As an act of love,

Forgive in His Name.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our God who restores relationships and forgives in the same way that we choose to forgive. Forgive us for not acting in love and forgiveness to others, as we so desperately desire this from You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we find the grace and love to forgive others as we are forgiven by You. Show us how to love those around us in a way that brings restoration and healing. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to extend forgiveness and grace to others, just as You so graciously do unto us. Amen.

 

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

 

O Lord, You are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for Your help. – Psalm 86:5

What Love Looks Like

image by Valerie Etienne

To love sincerely,

He calls each of us;

despise all evil,

cling to righteousness.

To be devoted,

in brotherly love,

honor each other,

place others above.

Never lack in zeal,

keep fervor to serve,

be joyful in hope,

our time He deserves.

Be patient in pain,

and in each trial;

faithful in prayer,

He loves you, His child.

Share with those in need,

open heart and home;

bless those who challenge,

and peace shall be known.

Join those who rejoice,

grieve with those in grief;

live in harmony,

encourage belief.

Be not proud people,

interact with all;

be not conceited,

that leads to a fall.

Don’t repay evil,

choose to do what’s right;

live at peace with all,

you are His delight.

(Responding to Romans 12:9-18)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your word and Your Holy Spirit, which lead us and guide us in the ways that we are meant to live.  Forgive us for not heeding Your instructions, and please help us to live as You call us to live.  Teach us to be devoted in love, to honor others above ourselves, to serve You with fervor, to be joyful in hope regardless of our circumstance, to be patient and prayerful in times of trial and in times of peace; help us to share generously with those in need; teach us to be hospitable; help us to bless those who persecute us, rejoice with those rejoicing, mourn with those in mourning, and help us to live harmoniously with each other.  Keep pride far from us, and may we leave repayment and judgment for evil, in Your hands.  Help us to choose what is right in Your eyes.  May our lives lived in love lead many to move toward Your Majesty.  Amen.

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