Day 324 - Wholehearted Forgiveness
Julie Austin
“Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’ 14 For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses.” - Matthew 6:9-15 NASB
The dictionary defines joy as being a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. But the truth is that joy is something far greater than that. Feelings are emotional responses to circumstances. Real joy results from knowing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Joy is the product of that relationship. Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23. When we choose a relationship with God, we choose joy.
In Matthew, Jesus taught us how to pray. In that prayer, we are to ask for forgiveness. He also emphasizes that we must forgive those who have harmed us. This is so important that he revisits it after he says, “Amen.” In verse 15 He tells us that if we do not forgive others, then our Father will not forgive us. Forgiving others is directly connected to our access to the Father, who gives us joy.
Forgiving people who have hurt us is difficult. Often, forgiveness is impossible without God. But Jesus said that with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). This week, we will see how God did the miraculous in the lives of individuals who chose to forgive, which ultimately led to lives full of joy.
The year was 1947. Corrie ten Boom had just finished speaking in a church in Munich. Germany had just been defeated in WWII, and she was there from Holland bringing the Gospel message of God’s forgiveness. When the meeting was over and she began gathering her things, a man approached her and held out his hand. She recognized him, but he did not recognize her. He was a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp. Corrie and her sister were sent there after being arrested for hiding Jews. She survived, but Betsie died in that camp.
Corrie tried to avoid the interaction by fumbling through her purse. However, he persisted in speaking with her. As he held out his hand, he explained that he had become a Christian, and God had forgiven him for his cruel actions. Now, he wanted to hear that he was forgiven from the lips of someone who had suffered under his watch. “Fraulein, will you forgive me?”
In that moment, Corrie had a choice. No one would blame her for allowing her emotions to control her actions, but she knew in her heart what God required of her. She prayed, “Jesus, help me! I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.” She was obedient and put her hand into his. She described the miracle that took place. As their hands joined, she described a feeling of healing and warmth that brought tears to her eyes. JOY!
“I forgive you, brother! With all of my heart!”
Next Steps
- Think about it: Who has caused you such pain that it seems impossible to forgive?
- Action Step: Be obedient and forgive even if you don’t want to. Pray for Jesus to provide the strength to do this. Allow Him to heal and restore. Read The Hiding Place, by Corrie ten Boom to learn more about this incredible lady’s life.