How do I truly forgive those who have hurt me?

Repentance includes forgiveness, an area that is especially difficult for those of us who have been seriously hurt by ones whom we have allowed into our lives.  Before reading the story about Joseph, understand that Joseph did not have the benefit of knowing how things were going to turn out in his life. He couldn’t read the story and know the ending like we can. 20/20 hindsight is so easy. The exciting thing is that we all get to live out our own adventure. We can do so by faith and calmly, or as a nervous wreck, worrying all the time. The choice is always ours. G-d’s peace is always available as an option, we just need to choose Him!

Joshua 20:15 “But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD."

Consider the story of Joseph. His brothers threw him into a well and sold him off as a slave. He was then in jail for years and only by G-d’s plan for Joseph AND Joseph’s obedience did Joseph rise to be the second in command under Pharaoh. When his brothers came to Joseph begging for food for their starving families, would Joseph have not been “within his rights” to treat them as harshly as he could? But Joseph was a true man of G-d who walked as G-d walked. Joseph forgave them because he was wise enough to understood that this was all part of G-d’s plan. When you learn that all things, good and bad are all part of G-d’s perfect plan, you will have taken a giant ste p t owards peace in your life and pleasing G-d.

Joseph said in Genesis 50:20-21 “As far as I am concerned, G-d turned into good what you meant for evil . He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people . No, don't be afraid . Indeed, I myself will take care of you and your families . " And he spoke very kindly to them, reassuring them .

Romans 8:28 And we know that G-d causes everything to work together for the good of those who love G-d and are called according to His purpose for them. 

Be honest with yourself…

Who are you NOT willing to forgive in your life?

_________,________,________,________,________,________,________,________,

A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a religion class, given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. She says Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons. One particular day, Sally walked into class and knew they were in for a fun day. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture.

Sally's girlfriend drew a picture of a girl who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face.

Sally was pleased with the overall effect she had achieved. The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target, Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall. Underneath the Target was a picture of Yeshua. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Yeshua; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced. Dr. Smith said Yeshua’s own words to us "…'I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' Matthew 25:40.

Yeshua was asked directly about forgiveness and gave an answer that is abundantly clear. 

Matthew 6:14,15 "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.  But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Now if you are thinking “there is NO WAY I am going to forgive so and so…

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