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Monday, August 13, 2012

Music Monday: {Forgiveness} by Matthew West


It seems we're never at a lose for opportunities to forgive.  Life is moving along nicely, and then we're slammed with one offense after another.  For me, it's usually my kids (namely my oldest), and sometimes my husband.  Other times, it's my sister, my dad, or some random person.  So basically, just about anyone.  Do I take the bait of offense, or do I choose not to let it bother me?

Betrayal, lies, disrespect, the mean, cruel, and harsh words that come from those we love most.  Whatever form the offense takes, forgiveness is the only way to set ourselves free from the "poison" that is unforgiveness.  It's hard.  I often don't *want* to forgive.  I've been deeply hurt.  What that person said to me seems truly unforgivable.  So I stew about it for days, replaying the hurtful words, and thinking to myself, "I am so NOT forgiving you!"  And while I'm at it, I'm not going to do anything nice for you, or even look at you.  I'm hurt, I'm angry -- I can't believe you said those words to me!

But then, that still small voice.  The remembrance of the cross.  My sin nailed to the cross by the creator of the universe.  Author of my salvation.  My redeemer.  Jesus.  He loves me.  He forgives me.  He paid a high price.  Out of love and obedience, I can forgive.  Not out of my own will, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.  ~Ephesians 4:31-32


This songs truly speaks to my heart, and I pray that it blesses you today.  

It's the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those that don't deserve

It's the opposite of how you feel

When the pain they caused is just to real
It takes everything you have just to say the word...



The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;  
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 8-12

6 comments:

  1. Love the verse you shared:) I constantly need to remember that--if I"m forgiven, shouldn't it come so easy to me TO forgive?

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    1. Hi there, Abbi! Glad you enjoyed this one. : )

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  3. Michelle, I was as touched by your devotional and sharing here as I was by the song! Forgiveness is a hard pill to swallow, sometimes more than others. It's an area that the Lord has continually under construction with me - just like my tongue! My prayer always is Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." I can do all things through His strength, and He has redeemed me, how can I not forgive the same way I've been forgiven?

    Thank you, my friend, for another inspirational and spiritually challenging post :) Praying you and yours have a beautiful week in Jesus - in whom the freedom of forgiveness is found!

    Sweet Blessings,
    Amanda

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    1. Hi Amanda! I couldn't agree with you more! I am continually under construction in the same areas. My daughter bought me this little wooden plaque that says, "Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder, and your hand over my mouth!" Isn't that the truth!?! It can be so easy to snap, or lash out. But I'm learning to stop and think before I speak. Not always, mind you, but I'm getting so much better than I used to be. ;-)

      Thank you for your kind words. Praying that you have a blessed week, Amanda. As always, it's so good to see you. :D

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