When People Remind You of Your Past Mistakes

Have you ever been in a situation where someone brings up your past mistakes, not to encourage you, but to make you feel inferior or unworthy? It’s painful when others try to drag us back into a past we’ve worked so hard to leave behind. It can feel like a heavy weight on your soul whether it’s a reminder of past failures, sins, or struggles. But here’s the truth: if you are in Christ, you are a new creation, and your past no longer defines you.

No matter how messy, broken, or sinful, it is not who you are anymore. When people remind you of your past to bring you down, it’s crucial to remember who God says you are, not what others say about you.

1. God Has Forgiven You

We discussed this in the previous post on forgiving yourself but let us be encouraged by God's word. The most important truth to cling to when someone tries to use your past against you is that God has already forgiven you. Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” If God has removed your sins and no longer holds them against you, why should you let anyone else do so?

It’s easy to feel discouraged when others try to keep us trapped in our old mistakes, but God’s forgiveness is complete. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was enough to cover every sin, and when you accept His forgiveness, you are free from the burden of your past. Romans 8:1 reminds us, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” If God does not condemn you, neither should anyone else.

2. People Will Try to Keep You in Your Past

Unfortunately, not everyone will understand or accept God's transformation in your life. Some people may try to pull you back into who you used to be, either because they refuse to see your growth or because they want to make themselves feel superior. But their opinions do not determine your worth or your identity.

In the Bible, even the apostle Paul dealt with this. Before his conversion, Paul (then Saul) was known for persecuting Christians. After his dramatic encounter with Christ, many people were skeptical of his transformation. They remembered his violent past and doubted whether he had truly changed. But Paul didn’t let their doubts stop him from embracing his new life in Christ.

In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul writes, “But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul knew he couldn’t allow his past to define him. Instead, he focused on what God had called him to do. You can do the same. People may bring up your past, but you have the power to focus on God’s future for you.

I was talking to a friend recently who told me about a meet-up he had with an old friend. It had been over a decade since they’d seen each other, and both were in completely different places in their lives. Back in the day, my friend used to smoke, party heavily, and hang around some shady people. But since then, he has turned his life around—he's now a successful businessman, married to a God-fearing woman and they have four beautiful children. He has left that lifestyle far behind.

As they caught up, the old friend kept bringing up his past, reminding him of the wild days. “Remember that night you got so drunk, you broke into your neighbor's house and stole their radio?… Now look at you, all successful and stuff!” the friend said, almost with a hint of disbelief. My friend laughed it off initially, but it became clear that his old friend wasn’t simply reminiscing. It felt more like a judgment, as if my friend’s transformation didn’t sit well with him. By the end of the conversation, my friend felt like his past was being held against him, as if his growth didn’t really matter.

As we talked, I reminded him, like I stated previously, of Philippians 3:13, where Paul says, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” His past didn’t define who he was anymore. People might bring up his old life, but God had already made him new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here!”

Sometimes, people will remind you of your past to make you feel like you haven’t really changed or to bring you down. But remember, your past doesn’t hold power over you anymore. You are no longer defined by who you were, but by who God has made you now—a new creation, forgiven and transformed.

3. Your Identity is in Christ, Not Your Past

It is essential to remember who you are now. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” You are not the sum of your mistakes; you are God’s masterpiece, created for a purpose far greater than your past failures.

The enemy loves to use people to try and make us feel small, unworthy, or trapped in shame. But the Bible teaches that once we belong to Christ, we are His, and nothing can change that. 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us that we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

When others try to drag you back into the darkness of your past, remind yourself that you have been called into God’s wonderful light. Your identity is not in the things you’ve done wrong, but in the God who has redeemed you.

4. Forgive Yourself and Move Forward

The only way others can be successful at bringing you down is if you haven't fully forgiven yourself. If you find that you’re still holding onto guilt or shame from your past mistakes, take this opportunity to bring it to God and allow His grace to wash over you. Isaiah 1:18 says, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

When God forgives us, He does so completely. If you’ve repented and turned to Him, then you are washed clean. Forgive yourself, and don’t allow anyone—whether it’s others or your own inner critic—to make you feel like you’re still stained by the past.

5. Responding with Grace

When people bring up your past, it’s natural to feel defensive or hurt. But as Christians, we are called to respond with grace. Colossians 3:13 encourages us, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This doesn’t mean you have to accept harmful behavior or allow people to mistreat you, but it does mean letting go of bitterness and showing Christ’s love, even in difficult situations.

By forgiving those who try to bring you down, you free yourself from the chains of anger and resentment. More importantly, you reflect the heart of God, who forgives us endlessly despite our own shortcomings.

6. Focus on Your Future, Not Your Past

Ultimately, your past is behind you, and God has a future filled with hope and purpose for you. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Don’t let anyone distract you from the good plans God has for you by pulling you back into a past that no longer defines you.

When people try to remind you of who you were, stand firm in the knowledge of who you are in Christ. You are forgiven, redeemed, and chosen. God has called you out of darkness and into His light, and no one has the power to take that away from you.

Walk in Freedom

People may try to bring up your past to make you feel unworthy or inferior, but their words hold no weight in light of God’s truth. You are a new creation in Christ, and your past is covered by His grace. The next time someone tries to drag you down with reminders of your mistakes, remind yourself of Romans 8:31, which says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Walk in the freedom that Jesus has given you. Your past no longer has power over you, and no one can make you feel inferior when you stand firm in the knowledge of who you are in Christ. Let His grace define you, and keep pressing forward to the future He has in store.

God bless you!

Forgiving Yourself

In the previous posts, we focused on forgiveness. We've discussed forgiving others, and its importance to our spiritual journey, however, we neglected to discuss forgiving ourselves. Forgiving ourselves is paramount to the overall forgiveness process. Forgiving ourselves can be one of the most challenging aspects of our spiritual journey. 

Forgiveness is something we often think of in terms of others. We know Jesus taught us to forgive those who wrong us, but what about forgiving ourselves? For many of us, self-forgiveness can be one of the hardest things to grasp. We carry the weight of our mistakes, reliving moments of failure or regret, and struggle to let go. Yet, the Bible reminds us of God’s grace and how deeply He desires us to walk in freedom—not just from the sins of others, but from the burden of our own past. 

Understanding God’s Forgiveness

Before we can forgive ourselves, we need to understand how God forgives us. 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This verse is a promise that no matter what we’ve done, God is ready to forgive us as soon as we come to Him in repentance. His forgiveness is immediate, total, and unearned.

But here’s the problem many of us face: while we believe God forgives us, we have a hard time accepting that forgiveness for ourselves. We may continue to replay our mistakes in our minds, doubting that we’re worthy of God’s grace. This is where self-forgiveness comes in. If God, the Creator of the universe, can forgive you, who are you not to forgive yourself?

Letting Go of Shame and Guilt

Often, we hold onto guilt and shame as a form of self-punishment, thinking that we need to pay for our mistakes. But when we do this, we minimize the power of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” If you are in Christ, you are no longer condemned. Jesus paid the ultimate price for your sins, and continuing to hold onto guilt is like saying His sacrifice wasn’t enough.

For a long time, I struggled with forgiving myself for mistakes I’d made in the past. I thought that holding onto guilt somehow made me more repentant or responsible, but in reality, it just kept me in bondage. What I’ve learned is that self-forgiveness is not about excusing your wrongs, but about accepting God’s grace and moving forward in God's love.

God’s View of You

One of the most profound shifts in my journey to self-forgiveness came when I began to see myself the way God sees me. The Bible is full of verses that tell us who we are in Christ—redeemed, loved, and forgiven. Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” If God no longer holds your sins against you, why should you?

This realization changed everything for me. God sees me not as my mistakes, but as His child. He calls me beloved, and He has a purpose for my life that is not defined by my past failures. When I began to embrace this truth, I was able to let go of the guilt and shame I had been carrying for so long.

Steps to Self-Forgiveness

If you’re struggling with forgiving yourself, here are a few practical steps that have helped me along the way:

1. Acknowledge Your Mistakes: Denying or minimizing your mistakes won’t lead to healing. Be honest with yourself and with God. Confess your sins and ask for His forgiveness, knowing that He is faithful to forgive.

2. Accept God’s Grace: Once you’ve confessed your sin, believe that God has forgiven you. Don’t let feelings of unworthiness or guilt prevent you from accepting the gift of His grace.

3. Renew Your Mind with Scripture: Fill your heart and mind with the truth of God’s Word. Meditate on verses like 2 Corinthians 5:17 which says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Let this truth renew your thinking and release you from self-condemnation.

4. Let Go of the Past: Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us to forget what lies behind us and to strive forward to what lies ahead. It’s time to stop dwelling on the past and focus on the future God has for you.

5. Live in God’s Freedom: Christ came to set us free, not only from the sins of others but from our own. Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Forgiving yourself allows you to walk in the freedom that Jesus has already won for you.

Moving Forward in Freedom

Self-forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting your mistakes, but it does mean releasing their power over you. When you refuse to forgive yourself, you remain chained to the past, unable to move forward in the abundant life God has planned for you. But when you embrace the truth of God’s forgiveness and forgive yourself, you can step into the fullness of His grace.

We all make mistakes. Some of us carry wounds from the past that we think we’ll never be able to heal from. But remember this: God is bigger than your mistakes. His love and mercy cover all your sins, and He has already forgiven you. Your job now is to accept that forgiveness, let go of the guilt, and walk in the freedom that God offers.

Forgiving yourself can be hard, but it’s essential for your spiritual and emotional well-being. Don’t let guilt or shame keep you from experiencing the abundant life that God has promised you. Remember, Romans 5:8 reminds us that “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” If Jesus thought you were worth dying for, you’re certainly worth forgiving—both by God and by yourself.

So today, I encourage you to release your past mistakes into God’s hands. Accept His grace, forgive yourself, and step into the freedom that He has already given you. You are loved, redeemed, and forgiven, and it’s time to start living like it.

God bless you!

Why You Should Forgive Instead of Seeking Revenge

In the previous post, I discussed forgiveness, its importance, and how God wants us to forgive those who have wronged us. It's a challenging task but it can be done. 

One of the hindrances to me forgiving was wanting revenge. That would make me feel better to know that the person who had hurt me was also hurting. 

We live in a world where wrongs are often met with retribution. The call to forgive instead of seeking revenge can seem counterintuitive. Yet, the Bible offers profound wisdom on why forgiveness is not just a virtue but a divine mandate. In this blog post, we will explore why forgiveness is superior to revenge, drawing from various Biblical scriptures that illuminate God’s perspective on this crucial aspect of our faith.

The Call to Forgiveness Over Revenge

Forgiveness might feel like a challenge when we’ve been hurt or wronged. However, the Bible consistently teaches that forgiveness is God’s way, offering us a path to healing and reconciliation rather than perpetuating cycles of pain. Here are some key scriptures that reveal why forgiveness triumphs over revenge.

1. Romans 12:19 (KJV)

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
In this verse, Paul directs us to leave vengeance to God. Revenge is God’s prerogative, not ours. By refraining from taking revenge, we trust in God’s justice and allow Him to handle the wrongs we’ve suffered.

2. Matthew 5:38-39 (KJV)

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Jesus redefines the Old Testament law of retaliation, advocating instead for non-resistance and forgiveness. This teaching encourages us to respond to wrongdoing with grace rather than vengeance.

3. Proverbs 20:22 (KJV)

“Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.”
Proverbs advises against seeking personal revenge. Instead, it encourages us to wait on the Lord, trusting that He will provide justice and deliverance.

4. 1 Peter 3:9 (KJV)

“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”
Peter instructs us to bless those who wrong us instead of retaliating. By doing so, we align with our calling to inherit God’s blessings and reflect His grace.

The Biblical Example of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not merely a command but a reflection of God’s own nature and the teachings of Jesus. Examining the examples set by Christ and other Biblical figures helps us understand why forgiveness is a more righteous response than revenge.

5. Luke 23:34 (KJV)

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
Even as He suffered on the cross, Jesus asked the Father to forgive those who crucified Him. His example shows that forgiveness can be a powerful testimony of divine love amidst injustice.

6. Genesis 50:19-20 (KJV)

“And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”
Joseph forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery, understanding that God used the wrongs done to him for a greater purpose. This story illustrates that forgiveness can lead to redemption and a greater good.

7. Matthew 18:21-22 (KJV)

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
Jesus teaches that forgiveness should be abundant and limitless, reflecting the endless forgiveness God extends to us.

The Spiritual Benefits of Forgiveness

Forgiveness brings profound spiritual benefits that far exceed the fleeting satisfaction of revenge. Let’s explore how forgiveness enriches our lives according to Biblical teachings.

8. Colossians 3:13 (KJV)

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Forgiveness is a direct response to the forgiveness we receive from Christ. By forgiving others, we grow in grace and embody the love of Christ in our relationships.

9. Psalm 34:18 (KJV)

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
Forgiveness and a contrite heart lead us closer to God. When we forgive, we align ourselves with God’s heart for reconciliation and healing.

10. James 2:13 (KJV)

“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.”
This verse highlights that showing mercy, which includes forgiveness, is essential for receiving mercy from God.

Embracing Forgiveness in Our Daily Lives

Forgiveness is a journey that requires patience, grace, and reliance on God. Here’s how you can start integrating forgiveness into your life:

1. Reflect on God’s Forgiveness: Regularly remind yourself of the forgiveness God offers you. Understanding the depth of God’s grace helps you extend that same grace to others.
2. Pray for the Strength to Forgive: Ask God for the strength and courage to forgive those who have wronged you. Prayer is a powerful tool for overcoming feelings of anger and bitterness.
3. Seek Reconciliation: When possible, strive for reconciliation with those who have hurt you. Forgiveness is not just about letting go but also about mending relationships.

The Bible offers a clear and compelling case for why forgiveness is preferable to revenge. Through scriptures from the Old and New Testaments, we learn that forgiveness reflects God’s character, fulfills His commands, and brings about spiritual and relational healing. By choosing forgiveness over revenge, we align ourselves with God’s will and embrace a path of peace, grace, and love. When I forgave those who had wronged me, I felt a burden lifted from my shoulders and felt an inner peace that I had not felt in a while. 

I hope these scriptures inspire you to embrace forgiveness in your own life and to follow the example of Christ, who forgave even those who wronged Him. As we forgive, we walk in God’s grace and reflect His love to the world.

May God Almighty continue to bless you!

20 Biblical Scriptures on Forgiving Others

In my previous post on Forgiveness, I discussed how difficult it is to forgive someone and let the hurt go. In fact, give it to God. I wanted to share some biblical scriptures on forgiving others to help those on their journey to forgiveness. It is indeed a journey but is doable when you realize how crucial it is as believers.

Forgiveness is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is a profound act of grace and mercy that reflects God's love for us and His desire for reconciliation. Let's take a look at 20 powerful scriptures from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible that illuminate the importance and transformative power of forgiving others.

Understanding the Call to Forgiveness

1. Matthew 6:14-15
   “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
   

   These verses from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount underscore the reciprocal nature of forgiveness—our forgiveness from God hinges on our willingness to forgive others.

2. Ephesians 4:32
   “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
   

   Paul emphasizes that our forgiveness of others should mirror God’s forgiveness of us through Christ, rooted in kindness and compassion.

3. Colossians 3:13
   “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
   

   This verse instructs believers to forgive others as Christ forgave us, setting aside grievances and disputes.

4. Luke 17:3-4
   “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.”
   

   Jesus teaches the necessity of forgiving others, even repeatedly, if they sincerely repent.

5. Mark 11:25
   “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
   

   Forgiveness is crucial in maintaining a clear relationship with God, as Jesus explains in this passage.

The Power and Benefits of Forgiveness

6. Matthew 18:21-22
   “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
   

   Jesus challenges us to forgive others limitlessly, reflecting the boundless forgiveness we receive from God.

7. 1 John 1:9
   “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
   

   Confession and repentance lead to God’s forgiveness and cleansing, setting an example for how we should forgive others.

8. Psalm 103:12
   “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
   

   God’s forgiveness removes our sins completely, illustrating the depth of forgiveness we are called to extend to others.

9. Isaiah 43:25
   “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.”
   

   God forgives us for His own sake, not holding our sins against us—a model for how we should forgive others.

10. Proverbs 19:11
    “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”
    

    Choosing to overlook offenses and forgive demonstrates wisdom and brings honor.

Practicing Forgiveness in Daily Life

11. Luke 6:37
    “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.”
    

    Jesus connects forgiveness with avoiding judgment and condemnation, emphasizing its importance in our relationships.

12. James 5:16
    “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
    

    Confession, prayer, and forgiveness are intertwined processes that lead to healing and restoration.

13. Matthew 5:23-24
    “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee, Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”
    

    Jesus prioritizes reconciliation and forgiveness in our worship and relationships with others.

14. 2 Corinthians 2:7
    “So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.”
    

    Paul urges forgiveness and comfort for those who have repented, preventing excessive sorrow.

15. Matthew 18:35
    “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”
    

    Genuine forgiveness from the heart is essential for receiving forgiveness from God.

The Example of Christ and His Followers

16. Acts 3:19
    “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”
    

    Repentance and forgiveness lead to spiritual renewal and refreshment in God’s presence.

17. Hebrews 8:12
    “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”
    

    God’s forgiveness includes forgetting our sins, demonstrating His mercy and grace.

18. Romans 12:14
    “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”
    

    Responding to persecution with blessings and forgiveness reflects Christ’s teachings and example.

19. Luke 23:34
    “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
    

    Even in His suffering, Jesus forgave those who crucified Him, exemplifying radical forgiveness.

20. Matthew 9:2
    “And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.”
    

    Jesus demonstrated that forgiveness of sins is a profound act of mercy and healing.

These 20 scriptures illuminate the profound importance and transformative power of forgiveness in the Christian faith. As we reflect on these verses, may we be inspired to embody God’s love and grace through forgiveness in our relationships and daily lives. Let us strive to forgive as we have been forgiven, reflecting the heart of Christ and fostering reconciliation and healing in our communities.

May these scriptures guide and enrich your journey of faith and forgiveness.

Forgive, So God Can Forgive You

It weighed heavily on my heart. It made me cry. It hurt so badly that I got choked up just talking about it. I would cry myself to sleep so many nights just thinking about how this person hurt me. I don’t think if it were a stranger, I would feel this type of pain. What made it worse was that the person that I thought would support me and understand why I felt this hurt, did not believe me. They took the other person’s side. I guess knowing someone longer trumped the truth, every time. I held this pain in for years and I felt justified in doing so because this person hurt me for no reason. What they did was unforgivable.

After years of holding in all the injustices this person had done to me, I finally decided it was time to let it go. Letting go was only part of it, the other major and most important part was forgiving them. I talked myself into believing that I had forgiven them because I wanted God to forgive me of my sins. Matthew 6:14-15 says:

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

However, the true marker of my unforgiveness was the hurt and pain I still carried around. One day, I was listening to a preacher and although his sermon was not on forgiveness, he started to discuss forgiveness. He stated that one must remember Ephesians 6:12 which states,

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Although someone may have hurt us, remember that our real adversary is the devil. The devil has a way of influencing people to do things to hurt us in turn to cause us to sin. We must keep this in mind. It does not absolve the person of their part but remember that our fight is not with a physical person but the forces of darkness that we cannot see.

It reminded me of the story of Job. The devil (with God’s permission) killed his children, stripped him of his livelihood, and afflicted him with illness. Job, of course, was depressed, and rightly so. His wife told him to curse God and die. This was his wife’s solution to the problem. This also showed that those closest to us can be influenced by the devil and not give the best advice or be the voice of reason. But Job refused. God is showing us that although Job lost everything, he did not sin against God.

“In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly” - Job 1:22

This further shows us that although someone has wronged you, that does not give you the right to sin. It can feel justified but it does not make it right. Carrying that unforgiveness was a sin because it came in the way of my relationship with God. I was not allowing my savior, Jesus Christ to take the pain away to ease the heaviness in my heart.

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. - 1 Peter 5:7

Also, I had to remember that I am human. I have hurt others, whether knowingly or unknowingly. When I go before my heavenly father in prayer, and confess my sins, I want Him to forgive me (Matthew 6:14-15).

After that sermon, I asked God to remove my unforgiveness and free my heart of all the hurt I was holding in. I also asked Him to forgive me because I know I have hurt others and I am not even worthy of His forgiveness but because of Jesus, He will forgive me.

I felt lighter. I realized that it was the devil’s plan all along to keep me in bondage with all that hurt in my heart. After praying, I knew God had set me free. I knew that talking about the situation would not bring me to tears anymore. I prayed for the person who had hurt me and asked God to heal them of the hurt that they may be harboring and to set them free.

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. - Matthew 5:43-45

Ultimately, our goal is to be children of our Father in heaven and how can we do that if we do not show that he lives in us. I learned that each day we are blessed with is another day to strive to become better in our God-like characteristics. God forgives, therefore, we must forgive.

I hope this message has blessed you as it has been a blessing for me.

I love you.

Let The Past Go, Look Toward Your Future

The past is the past, let's leave it there! As much as we would like to leave our past behind, the devil will always find a way to remind us of it. If it was up to him, we would be wallowing in our own self-pity, depressed and hopeless. But God. 

God has redeemed us of our sins and has cleansed us of our sins and past mistakes once we accepted Him as our Lord. None of us has made mistakes in the past. Although some may be more detrimental than others, mistakes are still mistakes.

       God does not look at our sins and use them against us. Only the devil does. In Psalms 103:12, it states, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Can we fathom the distance from the east to the west? Or try to fathom the multitude of sins God has removed from us to make us brand new, cleanse us, and become the people He has called us to be?
      

 Let's walk into our destiny. Don't look behind, look forward because your future is more promising than what the Lord has in store for the devil. Be encouraged.

If this has motivated or inspired you, share this with a friend. God bless you!

Forgive others so that God can forgive you. Mark 11:25

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25

NIV: And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Jesus taught us to pray and many know the prayer by heart. This was a format of how we should pray to our Heavenly Father. A crucial part of our prayer should entail asking God for forgiveness. We may not take into account the sins we commit in a day, the little "white" lies we tell, the stoplights we run, or even the people we hurt with our harsh words. There are so many things we may do that we may not remember and it's only when we reflect on our day or on our sins that we may realize where we went wrong. However, we may do little things that are so much a part of us that we may see no wrong in what we do, but the Father in Heaven does, therefore, to cover us in a sense, we ask for Him to forgive us of our sins.

The part of the prayer Jesus taught us that speaks about forgiveness comes with a condition."And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us..." This condition clearly states and we clearly state, if we pray this prayer, that we want God to forgive our sins, just as

Reconcile Before It's Too Late

Matthew 5: 21-26 continues Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a pure heart.

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause[b] shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

The church I attended as a child put so much emphasis on being pure at heart before giving your tithes that before offering was collected at every service, the pastor would say