Many people are currently trying to enjoy Christmas, but simply cannot find the peace that they expected would come from the time shared with friends/family, or the gifts that are shared with one another.
There may be an unsettled feeling like something is missing or out of place that keeps us from properly receiving and enjoying gifts or receiving the peace and joy that should come with spending time with each other. Something is amiss!
We must consider that when we are out of sorts and cannot find an answer, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us to the truth. This truth is often or likely to be an old outstanding debt that we feel someone owes us. God will put these people on our mind, because He knows that when we have unforgiveness for anyone, a heavy burden is placed on us. This often is the cause for the unsettling emotions and lost sleep.
Unforgiveness for others and for ourselves is an act against God. When we harbor unforgiveness, we reject God’s forgiveness for us, paid for by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross to pay for our sins. None of us are sinless, we have all made mistakes and missed the mark.
The highest acts of love are to love our neighbor as ourself, which requires forgiving others, and to lay down our life for another. Mark 12:31 & John 15:13
In order to regain the peace and joy that should come with this Christmas, the remembrance of the birth of Jesus, we must forgive. Forgive all others of their debts (sins or wrongs) and forgive ourselves of our past mistakes. Big or small, apologized for or not apologized for, deeply hurtful or only a minor offense. It is then that we may receive the true forgiveness that God offered us through Jesus. It is then we can truly enjoy this day for what it is. God’s perfect sacrifice sent here for us to be set free from the sins of the world through grace and mercy.
So if you have found yourself struggling with sleep, feeling anxious or even bitter or angry, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the name of the people in your life that you need to forgive. You will receive an answer, via a name, a face, or it may come later in conversation, because it is in His word that He will give to those who ask, and He gives great gifts (Luke 11:13).
Let your forgiveness for those who wronged you, including yourself, be the gift you offer Jesus today. Give Him your debts and your burdens and He will give you peace and life everlasting. Believe in Him and follow His commands to love one another as He loves us, by forgiving others as He forgave us.
This is the ultimate gift, and the highest act of love we can show the world. Forgiveness is mercy and mercy is from God.
Luke 6:36 NIV
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Like a snowman, unforgiveness can wrap us up in coldness with layers of ice around are hearts. Forgiveness melts away the ice that keeps us from experiencing god’s joy and peace. It’s truly the time to forgive!
Blessings to all and especially to you who receive this word with open ears and give God the debts of others you have carried for too long. Peace be with you! ❤️
Ephesians 4:32 NIV
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”