The One Word Challenge!

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
(Colossians 3:12-14 ESV ~ emphasis added)

I used to make New Years resolutions; loosing weight, getting in shape, the usual things everyone does. I have stopped years ago though, because I used to break them every time.

However, one thing that has worked for me is to ‘pick’ a word that I will focus on for the entire year. At the end of last year, I thought to pick the word “grace”, but God had a different one for me in store… “Forgiveness”.

We are only 10 days into the New Year, but the word “Forgiveness” is changing my attitude. My attitude toward rude people; my attitude toward circumstances that I cannot change.

I love how Paul puts it in the letter to the Colossian church: “…as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive…”. The Lord has forgiven me so, so much of my past that I cannot withhold forgiveness toward others. Jesus said in Matthew:

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
(Matthew 6:14-15 ESV)

I know it may be hard to forgive someone who has offended or hurt you. Sometimes our first reaction is to lash out or hold a grudge. I found a very interesting article about forgiveness on Mayo Clinic’s website; forgiven others has also health benefits like lowering your blood pressure; less stress, anxiety, and hostility…

You see, our Heavenly Father knew why practicing forgiveness is so important. I challenge you, that over the next 30 days, practice forgiveness. Next time someone offends you, take a deep breath, think the word “forgiveness” and move on. This does not mean that the person had the right to lash out on you, but it may mean that there is something in their life that is difficult to handle. Meekness does not mean weakness, but a humble heart toward others.

Lord of Heaven and Earth. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Help me to be compassionate, meek, and humble. Help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. I am trusting in Your guidance as I walk 2013 with forgiveness on my heart. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Photo & Content Copyright © Iris Nelson

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