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“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:15
When you say that you’re a woman of God, certain things are vital and important. Forgiveness is one of them, and it’s really not an option.
When your children are disobedient, instead of raising your voice and being unChristlike in character, seek the Father’s guidance and be quick to forgive them. When your husband is selfish, uncooperative, and insensitive, instead of being angry and allowing that anger to consume you, seek the Father and surrender the pain and dissatisfaction to Him so that He can replace it with His peace, love, and compassion.
For the genuine Christian, forgiving others is a mandate. Depending upon your perspective on life – whether that man’s hand is against you, or that God’s overruling providence is at work – you must ask yourself how much you deserve God’s loving forgiveness. If you’re honest with yourself, you will admit that you aren’t deserving of His forgiveness at all.
It’s easy to not forgive and hold onto a grudge, but remember that this behavior does not characterize your Heavenly Father. Trace the hand of His divine purpose and grace in your life and be willing to forgive your spouse and child(ren) today. As you forgive others, the Father has promised to forgive you.
One thing you will learn in life is that sometimes your children and husband aren’t even aware that they have hurt you or wronged you in any way. So if and downright hatred in your heart for those nearest and dearest to you, then it’s time to ask the Lord to help you to forgive and let go so that you can be at peace in your heart and in your home.
May His perfect example of love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness fuel your heart to be loving, merciful, gracious, and forgiving to those you have been called to serve at home and in the community every day.
Written by:
Shauna Menns
