Forgiveness
EIBC Devotional #9 - “Forgiveness”
Emerald Isle Baptist Church
Pastor Zach Emory
Scripture - Romans 8:1-2
8 There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
The act of forgiveness in the spirit of loving others is sometimes the hardest act to carry out. All of us have been hurt by someone at one point or another. On the one hand, we want to see the good in everyone and forgive them as Christ forgives us. On the other hand, our hurt is very real to us, has shaped us into who we are today, and we never want to excuse wrong behavior. We struggle with letting go of our own pain. Sometimes the person we need to forgive the most is ourselves. We have all done things we are not proud of and wish we could go back and do differently. This verse from Paul’s epistle to the Romans reminds us that, for Christians, there is no condemnation. Period. We cannot condemn others, and we certainly cannot condemn ourselves. All of us are broken creatures who are often ruled by our fear, prejudice, lust, and pride. Not one of us is perfect. Sometimes we and others do not even realize the hurt we have caused. It is important for us to humble ourselves and realize that everyone, for the most part, is simply doing the best they can in life. We must work from our scars, not our wounds, and forgive the ones who cause hurt because they themselves have been hurt. The only one who truly lived a perfect life was Christ, and because of that we have been set free. Our past has no control over us. We can remember Jesus’ words in John 8: Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ 11 She said, ‘No one, sir.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.’
Questions for Reflection -
Who are you struggling to forgive and why?
Are you struggling to forgive yourself? How can you let go of your hurt?
Prayer -
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times when I have hurt myself, others, and You. Help me to forgive others for their shortcomings and inflictions of pain, so that I might live in the Light and be free.