Christianity Oasis Forum

[BabyChristian81]

Forgiveness...I will have to say that this may be one of the hardest steps that I will have to complete. I have a horrible habit of holding onto and grudges against those who have wronged me in anyway. On the flip side, I continually beat myself up and feel a massive amount of guilt over the sins in my own life even after repenting to God and being forgiven. I carry so much guilt in my heart, that there are some days that I can almost literally feel the weight on my chest. In some ways, I think this is what led me back to God in the first place. Feeling so much conviction for the way I was living my life, but I am having a very hard time letting it go even now. There are several members of my family that I have not spoken to in several years due to crimes they committed against other family members in the past. I have always justified not forgiving them because of the things they have repeatedly done to our family and convince myself that I am better off keeping them at a distance and never letting them back in. While reading through step 4, I instantly thought of them. I now understand that I have to forgive those that have hurt me in order to learn to forgive myself and fully comprehend how God forgives us. I have always carried too much pride and stubbornness and have always viewed forgiveness towards those who have wronged me as being weak or submissive. I pray that I learn to let go of my pride and anger so that I can forgive others, myself, and deserve the forgiveness of God.

[dema]

Much of forgiveness is trusting God to take care of it. Believing that if you give it to God, he will handle everything and handle it well.

[Mackenaw]

Hello BabyChristian81

God bless you this day.

I noticed that you have not made a journal entry for a few days, and wanted you to know we're here to encourage you. The Lord led you here, and we warmly welcome you to the family and to this sheepfold.

BabyChristian81, as a new Christian, I know it can feel like we're always climbing a very tall mountain to become the person Christ wants us to be, but I want to tell you, He loves you completely as you are, right now. He really does.

The Holy Spirit is inside you, and He is changing you from the inside out. It is a process -- the sanctification process, and it will continue until the day you meet Him face to face in Heaven. God is so very Good!!!.

The Word of God is nourishment to our very soul. There is something absolutely miraculous in how The Lord changes us through His love, the indwelling life of The Lord and His Word. Truly miraculous. Hallelujah!!! Please know that you are never alone and that He loves you so very much.

Just as a baby desires and needs milk, babes in Christ also need the milk of His Word. If you feel something holding you back, do not be alarmed, I think it happens more often than not. So, pray and ask The Lord for a true passion for reading His Word, and also ask The Holy Spirit to help you when reading His Word and to help you understand. He will. And, He will also comfort you, while leading you into all Truth.

The Lord desires a intimate relationship with you -- a relationship unlike any other you will ever have. He truly loves you and has your very best interest at heart.

As I read your previous posts, I sensed your earnest desire to grow closer with God. BabyChristian81, The Lord desires the same. So, I encourage you to continue with the 14 Day CCCC Study, not as a commitment to me, or any other Christian -- believing you need our approval -- because that is simply not true. The blood of Christ is your covering, your stamp of approval. Use the 14 Day Study as a tool to assist you in your desire to grow in the knowledge of God, by reading His Word (spiritual food for your soul) and meditating on His Word, and applying His Word to every aspect of your life -- your new life in Christ. We're here to encourage you, to offer assistance if you have questions and to pray for you. We're family! Thank You Jesus \o/ \o/ \o/

Prayers are rising to our Lord in the name of Jesus on your behalf. May God's blessed will be done.

God bless and keep you.
In Christ Jesus' love,
Sister Mack