by Janet Shultz
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your father will not forgive your sins”. Matthew 6:14-15 NIV
Forgiveness has come full circle for me this week. Many years ago I went to the front of the sanctuary with Pastor Wesley and I forgave someone. This person had done great harm to someone I loved very much and I carried a lot of anger, hate, and grief. That person died this week.
The death of this person brought back some of the anger, hurt, and grief; but I was able to just let it go because it was already forgiven and I didn’t want to go there again, it was done…
It was a last minute decision to go up front and I can tell you I didn’t want to forgive but knew I needed to. After I forgave I felt the weight of the grief, pain, anger and the burden of holding on to it lift off of me.
If you need to forgive and get rid of what someone has done to you, find someone to talk to and say the words I FORGIVE YOU and say the name of the person. You will be amazed how different you’re going to feel if you truly forgive, the burden you have carried will be gone. I am not saying it’s easy to do and may take a long time before you’re ready, but please do it sooner rather than later. You must be truthful and ready to forgive and I promise you will feel the burden lifted.
We have an open prayer room at all services; we have Pastors and trusted friends who would be honored to get you through the act of forgiveness.
I am sad for the family’s loss, but we all understand about how things were years ago and they too will get through their loss.
Janet Schultz is an amazing woman with a gift and passion for hospitality. She loves, gives and makes making breakfast for 200 people look effortless. She always has a smile on her face and brings joy with her everywhere she goes.