Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 18, 2018
But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. Genesis 33:4
Just like the prodigal son (Jesus describes in Luke 15) became broken and repentant, so Jacob does. As the loving father forgives, embraces, and weeps with the son, so Esau does with Jacob. It is a beautiful, beautiful picture of forgiveness. Deception was overcome by forgiveness. Stealing was overcome by forgiveness. Hurt was overcome by forgiveness. Anger was overcome by forgiveness. Pride was overcome by forgiveness.
Running away was overcome by forgiveness. Coming back together was facilitated by forgiveness. Forgiveness through Christ and toward each other is the great reconciler. Otherwise, we live life like most miserable men and women, still blaming others and lamenting over injustice inflicted on us and those we love. It is not fair because life hurts our idealism and optimism; however, to be healed is to forgive. So how do we forgive?
Forgiveness begins with an encounter with God, as the originator of forgiveness embraces us. He is the one with the limitless capacity to forgive. His forgiveness engulfs us with ability, a mandate, and a reservoir of forgiveness. Because He has thoroughly forgiven us through Christ, we can and will forgive others for Christ’s sake. It is the essence of being a Christian. If you are a Christian, you forgive.
Why is forgiveness hard? One reason is our immature faith lacks a cure. Our focus is still on our needs and hurts, but God is calling us to forgive. It is from a faithful stance of loving Him and loving people. When you choose to live by faith, you forgive. When you forgive, you trust that God is working to make you and others more like Jesus. Begin today; let God embrace you, you embrace another, and then watch forgiveness do its work.
The Bible says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for healing my broken heart with Your amazing grace and love, in Jesus’ name, amen.Application
Whom can I forgive today and begin the process of healing?Related Reading
Psalm 30:2; Isaiah 53:5; Mark 5:34; 1 Peter 2:24 Taken from Seeking Daily the Heart of God v.2Post/Tweet today
Forgiveness begins with an encounter with God, as the originator of forgiveness, He empowers us to forgive. #forgivenessheals #wisdomhuntersWorship Resource
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