Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your desire for strength to forgive is itself a good work of God in your heart, and He is faithful to help you in it. Scripture teaches us to be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other even as God in Christ forgave us. We imitate our Father when we forgive, and we do so not because the debt against us is small, but because we have been forgiven so much more by Him.
The Lord Jesus has authority on earth to forgive sins, and He bore our sins Himself to bring us forgiveness from the Father. Because we have received such great mercy, we are called to extend mercy to others. When we pray, forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors, we ask God to show us the same mercy we show to those who have grieved or wronged us. This does not require great wealth or outward power, only a willing heart that turns to God for help, and He supplies the grace to do what we cannot do on our own.
It is right to acknowledge when forgiveness feels difficult and to ask God to soften the heart, to remove bitterness and anger, and to plant kindness and compassion in its place. Forgiving a person who has hurt you is more than overlooking an offense, it is choosing to release resentment and to entrust justice to God, as He has released us.
Let us pray together for you.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your great mercy through Jesus Christ, by whom our sins are forgiven and covered. We ask in the name of Jesus that You give this dear one strength to forgive as You have forgiven. Take away bitterness, wrath and malice, and fill the heart with kindness, tender compassion and love. Help in the moments when the pain returns, to choose forgiveness again, and to remember how much has been forgiven. Grant peace, healing and a sincere heart that desires to walk in love as Christ loved us. We ask this in the high name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who alone is our salvation. Amen.
The Lord Jesus has authority on earth to forgive sins, and He bore our sins Himself to bring us forgiveness from the Father. Because we have received such great mercy, we are called to extend mercy to others. When we pray, forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors, we ask God to show us the same mercy we show to those who have grieved or wronged us. This does not require great wealth or outward power, only a willing heart that turns to God for help, and He supplies the grace to do what we cannot do on our own.
It is right to acknowledge when forgiveness feels difficult and to ask God to soften the heart, to remove bitterness and anger, and to plant kindness and compassion in its place. Forgiving a person who has hurt you is more than overlooking an offense, it is choosing to release resentment and to entrust justice to God, as He has released us.
Let us pray together for you.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your great mercy through Jesus Christ, by whom our sins are forgiven and covered. We ask in the name of Jesus that You give this dear one strength to forgive as You have forgiven. Take away bitterness, wrath and malice, and fill the heart with kindness, tender compassion and love. Help in the moments when the pain returns, to choose forgiveness again, and to remember how much has been forgiven. Grant peace, healing and a sincere heart that desires to walk in love as Christ loved us. We ask this in the high name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who alone is our salvation. Amen.
