The World’s Toughest Do-It-Yourself Project
Throughout each day I’m actively working on a lifetime do-it-yourself (DIY) project. It’s my ambition to give up my ambitions and to lay down my pride. My spirit (the inner me) wants freedom from ambition and pride, but my human desires, instincts, and nature all want to achieve great success and self-exaltation. (Galatians 5:17)
Every day, I seek the to be inwardly governed by the kingdom of God and His righteousness, (Matthew 6:33) not by my thoughts, feelings, and wants. Jesus put it this way: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke:923) Now that’s quite the project. John the Baptist described it this way: “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.” (Luke 3:4) To make room for the Lord, we must humble ourselves. (James 4:10)
One of the most difficult ways to deny yourself is in the area of forgiveness. Jesus said: “If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15) Now that’s a serious project. How can you forgive?
First realize that forgiveness has nothing to do with your feelings. When you have been deeply hurt you won’t be having sweet feelings about the person who hurt you and you can’t directly change those feelings. However, you can still obey Jesus and forgive.
Forgiveness is giving up your right to hold someone’s wrongs against them. It is blessing those who curse you and praying for those who despitefully use you. (Luke 6:28) You can do that even when you have bad feelings toward someone. Do it now. Think of someone you have bad feelings toward. Now ask God to do good things for them. (You may not feel it, but you can still ask God to do good to them.) Every time that person comes to your mind, pray God’s blessings for him or her. Keep doing that and eventually you will notice that your anger and hatred will gradually diminish. Do it. This DIY project works. It has kept bitterness out of my heart and it will work for you.
Forgiveness Matters
Jesus wants your entire heart
And daily obedience.
Jesus tells us to forgive.
If you sing a holy song,
But still have not forgiven
Everyone who’s done you wrong,
You might trust in religion
But you’re disobeying Christ.
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