Forgiveness is the key – Genesis 50:19-20

19 But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 

20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

– Genesis 50:19-20

Forgiveness is the key

The enemy is set out to destroy us because of our love of Christ and he will use anything in his power to make us fall.  His favorite tool to use is to set those we love against us – our friends and our families.  The people closest to us who can sometimes treat us worse than enemies because it is assumed they will be forgiven. Those are the people that Satan will set against us, and most of the time it isn't anything that they have purposed to do, it is just out of everyday living that pettiness, jealousies, or even simple misunderstandings can escalate into real hurts, which can be deeply felt; wounds that can cut to the heart and are so hard to understand because they came from those who are supposed to be on our side.  After all, people who love you aren't supposed to hurt you . . . are they?  Unfortunately, it can be those we love that hurt us most – and whom we hurt in return.

God knows the pain that can come from those you love.  After all, He experiences it every day.  The rejection of His love and forgiveness is worldwide, yet He still forgives and He still loves us.  We must ask for His help in forgiving those who have hurt us.  It is only through forgiveness that God can heal our wounded hearts and restore our lives.  Our ability to forgive others is directly related to His ability to accomplish the good that He has called us to.  If we remain bitter then we are not good examples of His grace and compassion – we are not good witnesses.

Let us all search our hearts this Valentine's day and see if there isn't someone we need to forgive and then ask God to give you the strength to do it.  I know we will all feel better and our Father will honor our efforts!

Prayer

Lord, help me to recognize the unforgiveness that I am still holding on to.  Help me to have the strength and the courage to forgive and to love those who have wronged me.  I ask your forgiveness for the pride in my heart that has kept me from forgiving before now.  Teach me to love like You love so that I can be a light to this hurting world.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone - Have a great and blessed Day!

– Richard