By Kyla Walker
Matthew 6:9-15
9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
14For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
These are the words of Jesus and He clearly says, if you do not forgive others’ sins, then the Father will not forgive yours.
One day I was meditating on this, thinking of a particular person who had greatly offended me in ways that changed my whole world and made me feel like a different person. I was contemplating, “How am I going to be able to forgive him?” At the time, it seemed impossible. I said out loud to some friends, “I can’t imagine being in Heaven with him.” Immediately, my very next thought was, “Kyla, if he makes it to heaven, he won’t be the same person.” I was stunned at this revelation and knew it was the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart. What that really meant, was that he could be transformed and forgiven too. The Holy Spirit helped me to see that person in a different way. I was able to separate myself from the harmful act he committed against me and compassionately understand that he had been blindly tricked and controlled by Satan. It was Satan that did that to me!
Romans 7: 15-20
15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
I too, have been blindly controlled by Satan. I did some terrible things during my addiction, before I had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I have hurt those who love me in many different ways, over and over and over again. Who am I? I am a forgiven sinner and child of God. So, therefore, I boldly say, I forgive that person who hurt me. I can also say, I pray for him and would rejoice if I did see him in heaven one day! For him to be forgiven would mean Satan had been defeated and it would reveal the glorious, mighty power of Jesus’ sacrifice!
At The Renewal Center, ladies are taught these biblical truths. With a lot of intense searching of hearts, they are able to forgive others of their wrongdoings. When you are able to forgive others, the end result is peace and freedom from the all the pain that has kept you in bondage. You will gain so much strength to face the problems in the world, even as they happen to you. This is my prayer for you, that you will be filled with the knowledge and wisdom that comes from God, in order to know God’s truths and be able to put the devil in his place! No longer do you have to be a slave to sin and unforgiveness.
Luke 23:32-34, 39-43
2 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
”39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
PRAISE GOD!!
Your blog is absolutely fantastic! I feel that God is using you to touch people who are struggling with their addictions as well as others who face different kinds of problems. These words are enlightening and uplifting. You are adding jewels to your crown in Heaven by taking on this responsibility! Keep up the good work and may God continue to bless you! Love you!
Thank you Ann. To God be the glory!