Forgiveness – “Every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake” Philemon 1:6 In the book of Philemon, Holy Spirit is pleading with believers to be reconciled to one another. Holy Spirit graces us with the ability to forgive one another. Forgiveness is not a feeling, it’s a work of the Holy Spirit – and an act of our will. Our choice. But be encouraged that the strength to forgive is not in your own power, it comes from the Holy Spirit.”

“By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” I recently heard of an atheist who said “the thing I envy about you Christians is your forgiveness – I have no-one to forgive me. “. Oh! that others would see the Light and know/understand that forgiveness is available to all (whosoever) John 3:16 – whosoever comes to Christ and accepts Him as Lord and Saviour – our Lord and our Friend – has access to this amazing gift and power. This is one of the ‘good things’ that are in us ‘in Christ’.

You might say ‘I’ve tried to forgive, but the pain still lingers. How do I overcome the sting of bitterness’?

Unforgiveness has been likened to a prison cell with the key on the inside. It keeps us locked in, and by asking Holy Spirit to help us release forgiveness to the one who has wounded us, He is also able to release us too. Ask Him to help you pray for the one who wounded you and to release blessing over them. In this way, He is able to vindicate you and restore you to peace in your soul.

Philippians 2:13 tells us “(not in our own strength), for it is God Who is all the while effectively at work in you (energizing and creating in you the power and desire), both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight”. AMPC

Philippians 4:8 says “one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable and right, and pure and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Ephesians 4:23 “And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind (having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude) AMPC

This is one way we overcome – Mediating on the Word of God – Fixing our mind on what’s true – right – pure – lovely – excellent things. And Holy Spirit is our wonderful Helper, Teacher, Guide. He knows the perfect scripture to help you.

God’s rich blessings.

Kath