Series:  Forgive as The Lord Forgave You

“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15

Forgiving someone who has offended or worked against you, much less betrayed you, is illogical. It doesn’t make sense to let go of things that caused pain; instead, it seems we should write ourselves notes and remind ourselves to stay away from “Blackheart Bart” because he can’t be trusted. A life submitted to God is all about letting go of our natural inclinations and trusting The Lord and His ways. Isaiah says the Lord’s ways are higher than ours, and so are His thoughts – as high as the heavens are above the earth. In those lofty thoughts and ways are wisdom, and this instruction is to make sure no one falls short of the grace of God (you and I are to extend God’s grace to everyone), in doing so, we ensure no bitterness develops in us. The trouble with bitterness is that it doesn’t just affect the one carrying the root; it multiplies and spreads like a weed and infects those around us.

In addition to forgiveness and grace being opposite our base nature, it is the preferred tool of the enemy of your soul to derail you from hearing God’s voice. We hear The Lord’s voice through peace, inclination, His Word, Worship, and sometimes even email devotions. When we’re angry, upset, and focused on the offense someone committed against us, it causes our focus to be self-centered and isolated. God’s will is for us to focus on Him, seek His kingdom and righteousness, and see others as He sees them.

Our will, sinful nature, and the enemy’s strategy are some reasons it’s difficult to forgive those who have offended us. “But greater is He who is in me than He that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) We can do difficult things through Christ because He has given us His ability and power.