2 Corinthians 2:8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. (KJV)

Are you managing forgiveness?

There is no way around it. If you say you love the Lord, you have to forgive. Here is what makes it tricky. Some offenses “seem” to affect you more than others, carry more weight, and do more damage. No matter how you feel, you must extend the same grace you have received. Unforgiveness can really negatively affect you because the same pattern of forgives you use, God uses toward you.

Mark 11:25 When you pray, if you remember anyone who has wronged you, forgive him so that God above can also forgive you. (TVT)

Matthew 6:14-15 If you forgive people when they sin against you, then your Father will forgive you when you sin against Him and when you sin against your neighbor. 15 But if you do not forgive your neighbors’ sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (TVT)

Unforgiveness can prove to be worse and really dangerous territory for the one you choose not to forgive. The devil can get an advantage in his/her life. He can also use your unforgiveness to cause hard thoughts toward God and religion. He could drive that person to a place of despair and have him/her think Christians are, and therefore God is, unforgiving. Unforgiveness causes bitterness, which the love of God does not shine through. Therefore, how can you witness?

Hebrews 12:15 Watch over each other to make sure that no one misses the revelation of God’s grace. And make sure no one lives with a root of bitterness sprouting within them which will only cause trouble and poison the hearts of many. (TPT)

Are you applying the standard God set for forgiveness? Do you really want to live with unforgiveness in your heart? Do you keep in mind that you don’t want to be overindulging of sin or too severe? Only God can help you navigate the answers to these questions. Please remember, this is how you confirm the love of God lives in you.

Please agree with me as I pray. Then ask the Lord what your prayer should be and wait for His response:

Father, I confess managing forgiveness is sometimes hard for me. I think I forgive most things, however there are some things that are really tough for me. I wanted to forgive, yet I felt as though forgiving would give leeway to more of the same behavior. I thought it would give my stamp of approval, and/or appear as if the behavior was not wrong. This was such a struggle for me. I repent because I know thinking like this is judgement, and I placed myself in a position that is Yours alone. I repent for affecting anyone’s life negatively. 70×7 was just an example Jesus used to denote the number of times we should forgive. I know there is no actual number. I used to be concerned about forgiving and what it would mean for someone who didn’t seem to be remorseful. Did that mean there is no need for a standard? Was it okay for them to do whatever they wanted? Would they take my kindness as weakness? Was I giving them permission to repeat the behavior? Thank You for showing me I am not the record keeper. Thank You for helping me see forgiveness is for me, not for the one who offended me. I want to live a life where a person can come to me and find love, forgiveness, and understanding. I ask You for these things every day. I want to give someone what You give me. Help me choose my words and do what would bring You glory…

Ask the lord what he wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal it here: