And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:60 KJV)
One of the heaviest burdens to carry is that of un-forgiveness. Justly you may have been wronged and abused and it feels correct not to forgive. However, the other person who has wronged you can repent of their acts and God forgives them. The one who remains in danger is the one who was wronged.
Jesus understood the power of forgiveness and the disciples that followed after. As He hung on the cross, He did not condemn those who were crucifying Him but He said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Stephen a man greatly used of God was captured, tortured and falsely accused with false witnesses coming up. He was brought before the judges and explained fully what he preached in contrast to the accusers. After this, they were offended. They led him out of the city and they started stoning him to death. He knew that if he died without speaking certain words, these people would never access the very salvation he preached including the great Apostle Paul. He said, “Lord lay not this sin on their charge.” He forgave them even when they were busy killing him.
Time and again I have had to forgive people who either stole from me or abused my name. Was it to their benefit, no it was mostly to mine! Forgiveness unlocks closed doors. The devil takes advantage of areas of unforgiveness and uses them to condemn your life even though you were the victim. Remember He is the accuser of the brethren.
Many have been healed of all manner of sicknesses and disease when they chose to forgive. Others have testified to financial troubles going away because they chose to forgive. Holding to the wrong done to you just steals time and vitality from you.
Like Stephen today you need to come to a place where you forgive all those who wronged you. Pray for them! Forgiveness is not ignoring them, but it must flow from the heart. I pray for you today that you find the grace to forgive!
Declare this,
Lord thank you for your word is awakening me to the need to forgive. I lay my heart before you and forgive all those who have trespassed against me in Jesus’ name.
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