Once again our youth pastor's message reminded me of a great point to share. His message was about forgiveness - how we should be forgiving and seek forgiveness not only from God, but anyone we have wronged. This made me think, Lent should not only be focused on repentance and leaving one habit for another, better one, but it should also be about forgiveness.
As we confess our sins and repent by turning our backs on them, we are seeking forgiveness from God. One things we must remember is the He does forgive us. Instead of fussing over rituals to relieve our guilt, we must have faith and accept that He forgives us by His grace and that it is only by His power that we can truly turn from sin. Sometimes to truly accept His forgiveness we must forgive ourselves.
And then there's the idea of forgiving others and seeking forgiveness from our neighbor. The Bible tells us that if we are asking God for forgiveness and remember a brother has something against us we must first seek his forgiveness before coming to God. It also tells us that we cannot be forgiven if we cannot forgive. Truly unforgiveness not only drives a wedge between you and another person, but also between you and your heavenly father. And who does a grudge benefit but the enemy as it allows him to lay bitterness on your heart. So, I say let the binds of bitterness drop, forgive those who've hurt you, and allow God to grow a bridge of love from you to them through Him!
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