The Other "F" Word

Sometimes I think we can get so distracted by the major sins that we see around us that we forget about the ones that the enemy will sneak in on us under the radar. If someone asked you to list out some things that you know God would consider a sin, or things that you know would be very dangerous to allow into your life, it might be quite easy to come up with 10 things right off the top of your head. But how many of those things we would be the internal things that we hold on to that can simply eat us alive without anyone even knowing?
I titled this "The Other "F" Word" because just like I just mentioned, we can easily point out the sin in some situations because it just jumps right out at us. And if you heard someone drop THE "F" word typically that is that one word that will grab our attention and make us go.."whooooo, did they just say that?". But the "F" word that God put on my heart today does the most damage when we DON'T us it is...Forgiveness. This is a topic that God has brought back to me a few times in my blogs and even when I go back and look at them I feel He has given me different perspectives each time. So I pray today He does that once again.
When I think about how the enemy can use forgiveness to get us in a trap, I think about a person who hits the lottery and now has more money than they know what to do with, but still wouldn't give someone $10 no matter how bad they needed it. Why do I use that example? Because when we come to Jesus with all of our mess and all of our sins what is the one thing we need so desperately, forgiveness! But what is the one thing that is so hard for us to hand back out to others...that same forgiveness. Don't think this isn't the works and the plan of the enemy, because it is. He would love nothing more than to get you to not be willing to hand back out the very thing that God handed to you. Talk about causing a stunt in your growth with God. How can God move you to that next place with Him and draw you closer if He can't get you to give out grace, mercy, love and forgiveness? They are THE foundation of the relationship you have with Jesus. Without the hope that Jesus will always offer you grace, mercy, love and forgiveness what hope do you have? None! It is because we know that He offers this to us and we can't buy it, earn it or work harder for it....all we can do is go to Him and ask for it. So we do, and we find forgiveness. Then the time comes (and it will again and again) that you need to offer it to someone else...what does the enemy do? He gives you pride. He give you entitlement. He gives you self righteousness.....and He tells you that they are wrong and you don't owe them anything. But what he doesn't tell you is the damage you just started on the inside of yourself. Hardness of your heart. Bitterness, anger and resentment. All of these things can creep in on you when you hold back the very forgiveness that was freely given to you. But the enemy hopes you won't notice it until the damage is deep. That's why he makes you feel like you are so right in holding back forgiveness. But God says...no...give it...always give it.
When I talk to people about this subject I always make sure I explain it this way. Choosing to forgive someone is NOT saying that what they did to you is ok. No, instead it is saying that I choose to give this to God. I choose to allow His justice to take place over my own. I choose to release this person to Him and all of these feelings this has caused, and I ask for healing of my heart. I also choose...yes choose...to pray for blessings over them so they too can find the forgiveness through Jesus that I have found. In Matthew 5:44 is says we are to "love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you". But in Luke 6:27-28 it says it like this "But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you". I think those words really get my attention....To those who are willing to listen.....So on this topic the question I will leave you with is this.....If Jesus is talking to you about forgiveness, are you willing to listen?
God, we can't thank You enough for the forgiveness that You give to us. It is where our hope comes from! Please help our hearts line up with yours on this topic and give us the strength and love that it takes to offer grace, mercy, love and forgiveness to the people in our lives. Restore any damage to our hearts that has been caused by our unforgiveness and restore relationships in our lives when we release unforgiveness to you...and choose to forgive those that need it. In Jesus name, Amen