Matthew 6:12 “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgiven those who have trespasses against us”.
Have you ever been hurt by someone and felt like you cannot forgive the person? I have. The pain was real and the hurt was deep. The hardest part of this process was having to continue to share the same space with the person. How do you exercise forgiveness in such a situation?
Forgiveness is in two folds as described in the Lord’s Prayer. We need to forgive others who have wronged us, for us to receive forgiveness from God. The act of forgiveness is the most selfless exercise to do to extend the love of God to others. Christ did the same for you and me as He laid down His life for us.
We also need to learn how to forgive ourselves and to be empowered by God to wholeheartedly forgive others as well. We should not expect to have peace of mind or be reconciled to our Lord if we have an unforgiving heart. That is not what the death and sacrifice of our Lord symbolize.
As we celebrate Lent, let us find a place in our hearts to forgive ourselves and others. Let us also bring all your struggles, hurts and pains to God and ask for grace to live in peace with God and with one another.
Reflection: Is there someone in your life you need to extend forgiveness to? What are you doing this Lent to ensure that you live in peace with God and with the people around you?
Reading: Matthew 6:1-15
Submitted by: Dr. Angela Obeng
New Life International UMC
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