OUR DAILY BREAD : WHY FORGIVE?

[cimi]

TUESDAY APRIL 11


WHY FORGIVE?

READ:
LUKE 23:32-34
____________________________________________________________
Jesus said, “Father,
forgive them, for
they do not know
what they are
doing.” And they
divided up his
clothes by casting
lots. Luke 23:34
_____________________________________________________________

When a friend betrayed me, I knew I would need to forgive her, but I wasn’t sure tht I could. Her words pierced deeply inside me, and I felt stunned with pain and anger. Although we talked abut it and I told her I forgave her, for a long time whenever I’d see her I felt tinges of hurt, so I knew I still clung to some resentment. One day, however, God answered my prayers and gave me the ability to let go completely. I was finally free.

Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith, with our savior extending forgiveness even when He was dying on the cross. Jesus loved htose who had nailed Him there, uttering a prayer asking His Father to forgive them. He didn’t hang on to bitterness or anger, but showed grace and love to those who had wronged Him.

This is a fitting time to consider before the Lord any people we might need to forgive as we follow Jesus’s example in extending His love to those who hurt us. When we ask God through His spirit to help us forgive, He will come to our aid__even if we take what we think is a long time to forgive. When we do, we are freed from the prison of unforgiveness. Amy Boucher Pye
________________________________________________________________________
Lord Jesus christ, through Your grace and power as You dwell in me,
help me to forgive, that Your love will set me free.

**Even on the cross, Jesus forgave those who hurt Him.


Commentary from Cimi: I forgive my husband for what he’s done, but he’s still doing it. I don’t know that I could forgive him if he WEREN’T ill. Guess I’ll never know. Please continue to pray for our family focusing mainly on our teens. They are being severely abused living with their very disturbed father. Imagine having to live with a parent who is delusional, has mood swings, and a complete lack of empathy. My mothers heart breaks daily not being able to protect them from this horror. Please also, spread awareness about Parental Alienation. My case is even more complicated being Attachment-Based Parental Alienation. My husband suffered a narcissitic injury and now we are ALL suffering. The court system does not recognize parental Alienation. Things are changing and we are gaining ground with the court. But it is the mental health community, more so, who needs to be aware. Children all over the world are suffering this severe type of psychological child abuse. It has been described as worse than being beaten. Again, please pray for my children and that my husband would get well and seek help.

[mlg]

Cimi,

I continue to lift you and your family up to God in prayer. May you stay strong and know that God loves you and your family very much.

*hugs*

luv ya

[notforgotten]

Forgiveness is the glue that keeps relationships together.

Cimi, sorry to hear about your domestic situation. I pray that all turns out well.

[cimi]

Thank you