Wednesday Wisdom | Stepping Into 2022 | Forgiveness

Life rarely offers us re-dos or do-overs. Once said, words can’t be taken back. Once done, actions can’t be pulled back. At times, even the best relationships are complicated. When we overstep or stumble, all that’s left to do is apologize. On the other hand, when someone causes us offense, we must be quick to forgive.

In my opinion, forgiveness is vital to living an abundant life. Otherwise, bitterness, envy, and resentment take root and crop up like Dallas grass. Personally, I’ve battled them more often than I care to recall or admit, especially during the times I found myself caught up in the throes of addiction. Yet, even now, approaching three decades living in recovery, bitterness, envy, and resentment can pop up like bad weeds defacing your otherwise manicured green lawn. Let’s face it: nobody yearns to nourish an unkempt soul anymore than they dream of a yard lush with unsightly weeds. So, I remind myself: handle your business, Bantau.

For me, handling my business means keeping my list short and being vigilant about guarding my heart. That means watching out for freeloaders seeking to squat in my brain and doing the work necessary to keep them from taking up residence.

This requires a heart seeded with forgiveness.

Some hurts and hang-ups are perennial, returning to the roost periodically like a crazy uncle. They require extra diligence as they tend to quickly overstay their welcome.

Yes, there are things that are irreparably difficult to forgive. In my decade plus of ministry, I’ve heard stories that made my skin crawl and that left me forever altered. There are things I will not ever be able to un-see or un-hear.

Father, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come.

³ Give us each day our daily bread,

⁴ and forgive us our sins,

for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.

And lead us not into temptation.

Luke 11:2-4 (ESV)

As 2021 rings to close and 2022 scoots in to replace it, is there someone you need to forgive? Moreover, is there someone who you need to offer amends to because of something you said or did?

A new year stands at our doorstep. Wounds left untreated don’t heal like they should. Forgive those who have trespassed against you. Ask for those whom you have harmed in some way or another to forgive you for your trespasses.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 (ESV)

Many people who began 2021 didn’t finish it. I encourage you to get with the Lord and handle your business.

I pray that you experience abundant joy and unconditional love in this new year that the Lord has blessed each of us with.

Abundant Blessings,

The Devotional Guy™

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