30 Day Challenge - Day 24

Bold Forgiveness

Colossians 3:12-14 TPT

“You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others.

“Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them.

“For love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark of true maturity.”

There is power when God forgives our sin that releases our guilt and repositions us with Him. Power of Holy Spirit is released when we forgive others that removes bitterness and brings freedom.

While in a concentration camp in Germany, Corrie Ten Boom watched her sister, Betsie be brutally beaten by a prison guard. Corrie was enraged! Corrie ran to Betsie who was covered in blood. Betsie immediately said, “Don’t hate, Corrie. You must love and forgive.”

Corrie knew that she was unable. That night she went for a walk and told the Lord that she could not forgive “that brutal woman.” God reminded her of a Scripture - “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)

Corrie realized that what she was unable to do, Holy Spirit in her, was able to do.

“At that moment, when I was able to forgive, my hatred disappeared. What a liberation! Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness. What a liberation when you can forgive.”

When Corrie Ten Boom was able to forgive the people who held her captive she became the freest person on the planet. The enemy’s captivity is no match for the freedom we have in Jesus.

Walking in forgiveness is a choice of obedience you make from your will, not your emotions. Choose to ask for forgiveness, choose to forgive others and choose to forgive yourself.

As you receive communion, do so in remembrance of the forgiveness offered through Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin. Allow Father to work through you to forgive.