Forgiving Offense

Photography by Mary E. White

Good morning! It’s mid-week and wow, today’s verses are a great way to begin a new day. Lord, strengthen us as we seek to live these verses out in our lives each day. Lord, help us with the word forgiveness. 

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 6:14-15 NLT
“14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” 

REFLECTION

While God’s forgiveness of sin is not based on our forgiveness of others. A Christian’s forgiveness is based on recognizing and receiving the forgiveness from God. Our personal fellowship with God is what He desires, but it is hard to be in fellowship with God when we refuse to forgive others.

Ephesians 4:32 is a good reminder or verse to remember as God continues to transform our hearts to forgive others, “32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Today, in relation to the above verses  I won’t ask questions or give further insight. I simply want to pray for us, because the enemy has many of us in chains of unforgiveness. It’s time to allow the Lord to remove the roots of unforgiveness.

PRAYER

Father God, you are greater than any pain, distrust, lie or act of anger. You are healer, trustworthy, truth and you pour out your love on your people daily. Lord, forgive us for sinning against you. Help us to forgive those who have sinned against us. Help us to recognize the behaviors of unforgiveness in our hearts and minds, and let us willingly turn to you. Lord, change our hearts. Lord, remove harbored feelings from our hearts and minds. Lord, remove things, situations and people from our path that create a desire within us to sin against you. Build us up in your word and direct our path. Lord, put God-fearing Christians in our lives. Lord, bless us with relationships that strengthen our faith and lead us to a greater relationship with You. Lord, you are the ultimate forgiver. Lord, continue to teach us to forgive. Help us to die to ourselves and trust you as we learn to and actually forgive. Lord, continue to work in our hearts. Lord, we pray for victims of abuse, victims of violence and those who have been victimized in some way. Lord, we pray for healing. Lord, remove any form of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Lord, equip us with all that we need to heal. Lord, take away addictions that have suppressed our ability to fully heal from painful wounds and traumatic situations. Lord, help us to focus on you and what you would have us to do. Lord, release us from trying to please everyone and help us to remain focused on pleasing you. Lord, strengthen our relationship with you. Lord, speak to us. Reveal to us areas that are within us where there is unforgiveness and begin to tear down walls in our heart. Lord, forgive us. In Jesus name, amen.

Keep seeking God’s direction. Keep trusting God’s plan. Keep praying, because the Lord hears and answers prayers.

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  • New Bible Study 

Begins tomorrow (Thursday, February 27, 2025). We will be studying the book of Jeremiah.

If you would like to join us or get more information, please send an email to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

  • SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, July 19, 2025 we will host our next Women’s Retreat. Our theme for the retreat is taken from Ephesians 6:10-17.

Our Theme is: She is Armed & Dangerous  – “Take the helmet of salvation & the sword of the spirit.”

Arboretum

Thanks to our faithful donors, the retreat will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual participation. Stay tuned for more updates. We have 75 seats available.

  • LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

Sisters, we are looking for volunteers for our upcoming events and also to fill an open Board position.

If you would like to join us or get more information, please send an email to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

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