One of the hardest things, when we have been wronged, is to give up our right. In the book of Philemon that is exactly what Paul was asking Philemon to do (v8-10). No doubt Onesimus had done Philemon an injustice. It would appear that Onesimus had possibly stolen from Philemon before running away (v18). Yet here Paul writes appealing to Philemon’s good nature to receive Onesimus back into his household (v15-16). Paul believed that Philemon had it in his heart to forgive Onesimus (v21) even though he knew it would be a hard thing for him to do.
Have you been wronged? Has someone hurt you so bad that you cannot find it in your heart to forgive them? Unforgiveness is like a cancer that eats away at the core of who we are. Rather than allowing your heart to be eaten away with unforgiveness and hurt, turn to the one who knows the power of forgiveness.
Easter is a time to remember the divine act of forgiveness. Jesus, who knew no sin, took our sins upon himself so that we can have the freedom and liberty to have fellowship with the Father. We did not deserve this right, but in God’s eyes we were worthy of it. That’s why he was willing to allow His Son to take our place and pay the price of death for our sins. In allowing Christ to die, God was saying to us ‘I FORGIVE YOU’. In this act of forgiveness God was demonstrating divine love.
When we learn to forgive those who have wronged us, we walk in a realm of Christ’s love that goes beyond our natural understanding.
Forgiving those who have wronged us is the only way to true freedom. If you are struggling to find it within your heart to forgive someone that has caused you pain, then call on the one who knows true forgiveness and be released into the power of Christ’s love.
Our Father in heaven
Hallowed by Your name
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins
As we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And do not led us into temptation
But deliver us from the evil one
For Yours is the kingdom and the power
And the glory, forever.
Amen
photo credit: forgiveness
Times of Refreshing 
24/04/2014 at 7:46 pm
very inspirational. One can never get enough of the message of forgiveness because as quick as someone repents someone else is sinning or is causing an offence towards another human being or towards God against His son or His word forever taking Christ’s name in vain. I guess it’s like having a shower one can never have too much water or stop bathing,otherwise the consequence will be devastating so well done I like it.
19/05/2014 at 8:01 pm
Thanks for your comment. I see forgiveness as a spiritual discipline we should practice on a regular basis. Bathing ourselves in the presence of God connects us with his grace,and when we are filled with his grace, we are compelled to forgive those who have offended us.
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