Forgiven.

Forgiven. Its a word that describes me, and why I live through and for a love that is eternal.[Jesus Christ] But its a word that I have recently had to learn again. I realized the other day, I hadnt forgiven some people of some hurts. It wasnt that I didnt want to...I just hadnt done it. I was more focused on how hurt I was and how I wanted things fixed. Prayers poured from my heart daily and I couldnt understand a bit of what was happening. And it hit me the other evening that I hadnt forgiven those people and those hurts. I immediately felt so ashamed! If GOD can forgive ME of all my sins & hurts done to Him...who am I not to forgive and hold onto a hurt done to me, by someone just as human as myself!? Wow. Talk about a smack in the face.  :) I prayed right then, in my car, for God to help me forgive the hurts been done to me....bc I believe sometimes forgiveness is more than just saying "I forgive them"....I believe its a choice, not simply words. And I believe that sometimes your choice and your emotions dont line up together. So to me, forgiveness is something I have had to give to God. Trusing He would line up my emotions with my choice. And He does! Every time!!! I believe you should forgive, always. (Colossians3:13) Even if the person doesnt want your forgiveness or even if you cant tell them you've forgiven them. So with this new forgiveness, has also came JOY for me!!!! I am just at a COMPLETELY different place today than I was this time last week!!! Nothing has changed. Not my desires. Not my hurts. Not my questions. Not my confusion. Not even my circumstances. But oh how great it is to have the JOY of the LORD inside you!!!!!!!! I was able to speak with a person who I had forgiven that very night after praying in my car through a txt msg I recieved late that night. And I must say, God ALWAYS works things out for the good of those who love Him!!! It felt really good to put some things to rest that night, but I believe with every thing in me that no matter had I gotten to tlk to that person...this Joy would still be in my heart tonight. Bc THIS Joy can only come from the Lord!!! And I recieved it the very moment I stopped focusing on myself and released that hurt and anger I held, up to God. Question for you, is there anyone you need to forgive? Truly forgive...more than just the words? I can promise you that giving up a hurt to God and forgiving someone is like freedom. It unlocks the handcuffs of hatred. Its amazing. And its what we're called to do! So Im encouraging anyone who's reading this to let go...and let God. FORGIVE! :)And if you yourself havent receieved forgiveness...there is a God willing to give it to you just as easy as He is your next breath!!!! All you've gotta do is ask!!! Praying for my readers tonight!!!! And wanting you to know just how much it means to me that so many of you follow and read my blog and pray for me when I need it. Lots of Love!!! -AW

Mark 11:25 ESV And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Luke 17:3-4 ESV Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, (4) and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Matthew 18:21-22 ESV Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” (22) Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.

Matthew 5:44 ESV But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Colossians 3:13 ESV bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Luke 23:33-34 ESV And when they came to the place that is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. (34) And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.