Move Up!

Matt.6:¹² (AMPC) “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors.”

When God is prompting you to forgive someone, just forgive the person. If you refuse to follow His leading, you are holding your own self down. Jesus, in teaching us how to pray, alluded to the fact that when we do not forgive, we are holding ourselves down. “…forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us”. Meaning, receiving forgiveness is dependent on you giving forgiveness first. How far can anyone go without receiving forgiveness from God?

Unforgiveness is grave enough as it is. I am sure no one wants to add disobedience to unforgiveness. Yesterday, we learnt that unforgiveness is drinking poison and hoping the other person will die. It does not work like that, the person with poison in his or her system that suffers its damaging effects. Does God want you to forgive someone? Then forgive the person, if you refuse to forgive, then you are the one holding yourself down.

Matt.5:⁴⁴ (KJV) “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to those who hate you…” The flip side is this – loving your enemy does not mean you should always give in. Do not get this wrong; this is not saying you should not forgive. It means not being trampled upon. Love is giving people what they need not what they want. And sometimes, all they need is someone to stand up to them and call their bluff. It is called tough love.

Now think about the person you have the most difficulty with at work or in your relationships. Is the person demeaning, or disrespectful, or demanding, or disagreeable, or just oppressive? How are you going to respond going forward?

• You must realize you cannot please everybody.
• You must refuse to retaliate.
• You must refuse to argue.
• You must refuse to cave in.
• You must resolve the conflict quickly and,
• You must respond with love.

Consider this: Prov.16:⁷ “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” If it appears that all your relationships are sour, you’ll want to reconsider your ways. It can be unsettling; but it is the first place to check.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I pray that my ways everyday will be pleasing unto You and that You will make all things beautiful in Your time, in Jesus Name. Amen!