For Embracing Forgiveness

For Embracing Forgiveness

IMAGINE SERVING ALMOST FORTY YEARS on death row for a crime you didn’t commit. That’s what happened to Ricky Jackson. In 1975, a supposed eyewitness to a murder lied, and it took the accuser nearly forty years to tell the truth. But instead of holding on to hatred and resentment, Ricky Jackson chose to embrace forgiveness.

Forgiveness is probably the hardest requirement of Christianity. If you ask most people, they can forgive—until a certain point. But the ability to forgive beyond the until separates believers from the world. Jesus asked, “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!” (Luke 6:32).

When speaking of his accuser, Ricky Jackson said, “For a lot of years I really hated him. . . . But . . . I desperately want to move forward with my life and the only way I can do that is to forgive.”

Forgiveness is how we free ourselves from the emotional weight that has us bound.

STRENGTH IN THE WORD

When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against.

TODAY I DECLARE

I release bitterness and resentment from my heart.

PRAYERFUL THOUGHTS

Dear Lord,

You have the power to turn the hearts of kings (Proverbs 21:1), so please turn my heart toward forgiveness. For too long, I’ve harbored resentment toward __________ for what was done. But give me the heart to see __________ through your eyes, because I can no longer carry the heavy weight of unforgiveness. Replace my bitterness with grace, and transform my scars into love.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

KEEPSAKE

“Forgiveness is how we free ourselves.”