Setting Ourselves Free
Sometime back in West Memphis, Arkansas, three young men were charged with murder. When they made it to court, the father of one of the victims suddenly rushed at the young men screaming, “I’ll chase you all the way to hell.” One writer observed, “I understand the father’s fierce anger, but there is something almost prophetic about his words. If we allow our hatred for those who have wronged us to go unchecked, it will eventually destroy us. We will follow our bitterness ‘all the way to hell.'”
When, Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.…”
In truth, forgiveness is less about the other person and more about us. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want what someone else did to me to control me. I don’t want hatred and rage to own me. When we forgive others, more than anything else we set ourselves free.
Let us pray: God of grace, we praise you for your unconditional love and forgiveness of us. I pray today especially for those who are struggling to forgive others. Empower them to walk away from the situation if need be, but then to let go, to forgive and to move on. Today, may your Spirit rest on each of us, granting us your peace. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
