Isaiah 64:9
Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity for ever. Now consider we are all your people. Isaiah 64:9
‘Forgive and forget’. A common phrase used to soothe angered spirits in order to make amends. For most, this is easier said than done.
To release our feelings of anger — to no longer remember the reason behind our anger — is not a simple task for most. We may, at some point, forgive; however, it is not automatic to simply forget. The reasons behind our anger remain etched in our memories. Depending on the intensity of the anger, some memories remain with us for a lifetime.
‘Forgive and forget’. A common phrase used to soothe angered spirits in order to make amends. For most, this is easier said than done.
To release our feelings of anger — to no longer remember the reason behind our anger — is not a simple task for most. We may, at some point, forgive; however, it is not automatic to simply forget. The reasons behind our anger remain etched in our memories. Depending on the intensity of the anger, some memories remain with us for a lifetime.
Many of us walk around with the weight of painful memories. We refuse to let go of the hurt caused by others. For some it is having their heart broken by a past love, being betrayed by a close friend or being humiliated by school mates. We become burdened and our hearts hardened against those that hurt us. Whenever we encounter these persons, the anger returns fresh in our minds. We never forgave, we never forgot.
Ironically, we often seek forgiveness from the Lord for our transgressions. In asking for forgiveness, our sins are placed in the sea of forgetfulness and we receive the LordÂ’s love and mercy.
Similarly in Isaiah 64:9, we learn of the IsraelitesÂ’ plea to the Lord to forgive and forget. Faced with severe hardships as a result of their sins, they turned to the Lord to take their hardships away and to receive his love again. The Lord forgave and continued to forgive the Israelites. Indeed, Christmas is about his commitment to forgiveness.
The act of forgiveness is continuous. Over the course of our lives we will be called to forgive someone who has hurt us. Time and time again, we will also be called to forgive ourselves. True forgiveness is where we let go. It is a release of the pain felt so we become less burdened and it allows us to be free to fully receive the love of God.
Prayer:
Dear Father, I ask that you provide me with the strength needed to forgive. To forgive those that hurt me as well as to forgive myself. Give me the ability to release the painful memories that hinder my ability to truly forgive. Grant me the strength to forgive as you forgive me. Amen.
Ironically, we often seek forgiveness from the Lord for our transgressions. In asking for forgiveness, our sins are placed in the sea of forgetfulness and we receive the LordÂ’s love and mercy.
Similarly in Isaiah 64:9, we learn of the IsraelitesÂ’ plea to the Lord to forgive and forget. Faced with severe hardships as a result of their sins, they turned to the Lord to take their hardships away and to receive his love again. The Lord forgave and continued to forgive the Israelites. Indeed, Christmas is about his commitment to forgiveness.
The act of forgiveness is continuous. Over the course of our lives we will be called to forgive someone who has hurt us. Time and time again, we will also be called to forgive ourselves. True forgiveness is where we let go. It is a release of the pain felt so we become less burdened and it allows us to be free to fully receive the love of God.
Prayer:
Dear Father, I ask that you provide me with the strength needed to forgive. To forgive those that hurt me as well as to forgive myself. Give me the ability to release the painful memories that hinder my ability to truly forgive. Grant me the strength to forgive as you forgive me. Amen.
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