So as I venture into this world of blogging, I have been considering what to choose as my first topic. Did I want it to be lighthearted and funny? Did I want to introduce myself and tell everyone about myself and my family? Over the last few days as I have thought about this, I figured most of the people who would read this, would be people who know me personally. So why bore everyone with things they already know about me. I thought I would start out with what I feel is one of my biggest struggles…forgiveness. Yep…let’s just start this off heavy!!
Last week, I was reading my daily devotional and it was all about forgiveness. The idea of forgiveness seems so easy, yet the action of it can be so difficult. It can be easy to forgive those who ask for it, but what about the situations where the person don’t ask for forgiveness or situations where the other person doesn’t realize they hurt you. For me, the latter is the most difficult. Ephesians 1:7 says “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace”. Jesus died for my sins. All of them. Even the sins I haven’t committed and He continues to forgive me daily. The Bible also tells us in Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Sometimes we forgive those that have hurt us, but is it true forgiveness when you still hold bitterness in your heart. I don’t believe so. Forgiveness doesn’t always happen overnight and that is okay. But, there should be a progression that happens that brings about true forgiveness. The kind of forgiveness that Christ gave us. You should be praying daily for help in forgiving others and guard your heart from that bitterness that can come.
For me, When someone has hurt me, I tend to build a wall for that person. I may still talk to that person and be pleasant, but on the inside is my wall. The wall that won’t let them hurt me again. The wall that keeps me safe. Is this really how Jesus would want me to be?? Of course not! He does want you bitter and angry. He wants you joyous and sharing the good news of the gospel.
I would ask you to pray if there is someone you need to forgive. Pray for the person you may hold bitterness or anger towards. Pray for the Lord to soften your heart. I know that is what I need to pray. If you don’t know how to pray for that situation. How about just using one of the most popular prayers in the Bible…
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
May you find comfort in the Lord and also knowing there are others out here that struggle with forgiveness as much as you do!
Much Love,
Katrina
The Encouraging Crafter 
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