Christian Spirituality

New Years’ Resolution - Choose to Forgive

Posted by Wendy Minton Edwards in category on January 02, 2012

I've been pondering the need for and the practice of forgiveness for a while and I'm convinced that now, the beginning of a new year, is a wonderful time to recommit to forgiving others.  Forgiving others will go a long way to improve our relationships with others, will brighten our disposition and lighten our heart, and will open ourselves up to more fully experience the unparalleled forgiveness and freedom of Christ.

Scripture is pretty clear.  We are enabled to receive the forgiveness of God as we extend forgiveness to others.  Remember Matthew 6:14-16, "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."  Luke 6:37 teaches, "Do not judge, and you will not be judged.  do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.  Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

So, let's make a New Years' Resolution, or better yet a New Years' commitment, to intentionally forgive others.  One way we can intentionally forgive others is to daily or nightly (whichever is best for you) take a personal inventory.  Who upset or offended you today that you need to forgive?  Who might you have upset or offended that you need to seek forgiveness?  Ask God to enable you to forgive those who come to your mind.  Pray for God's forgiveness to be fully realized in your life and in the lives of others.

Let's begin 2012 with a spirit of forgiveness!