letting go and forgiving

In life there are some things that we must learn let go of. In each person life it is something different, sometimes it a love one, so times it a dream or for some it’s a hope. But when we let go what happens, do we just drop these things or do we realize them to God. Lately this is something that the Lord has been speaking to me about. Now I know letting go and giving that thing over to the Lord and forgiving is not easy. In fact most times it is a hard and painful process.  Sometimes the issue that we have been struggling to give up has left us with bitterness and hard feelings. Feelings of anger and disappointment towards that person, situation or things. Most times we our also  left feeling confused and not wanting to forgive but knowing that as Christian we our called to forgive those who hurt just has Christ has forgiven. Forgiveness is found many places in the bible.

Such as:

Proverbs 3:5-6-Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Matthew 18:21, 22 -Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (Followed by the parable of the ungrateful servant).......35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

Mark 11:25- And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Luke 6:37- "Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Luke 17:3, 4 -So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."

Ephesians 4:32- Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 I know that this is a subject that touches many peoples life. Because unfortally we all have been hurt at one time or another or have been in a satiation were we need to let go and allow the Lord to have control. Personally  I know that  it not easy and it can well to be honest just plan stink and hurt but in the end it ends up ok because we have trusted the Lord  and chosen to forgive one another. Forgiveness and letting go is hard painful and confusing  but it is worth it all in the end.

The Mask

What do people see when they look at you? Do they see a mask that shows an image or when people look at you do they see the other side, the side behind the mask? When people see behind the mask what do they see? Do they see a difference, a light, do they see the light of Christ? As Christians we are called to be a light in a dark place. Our light is recognizable to others in everyday life; this is not always the case. Lately I have been learning more about the mask that I find myself wearing from time to time. What does my mask say about me and what I live and stand for? I have learned that in life it is not always easy to remove the mask but it is most important to do so. Each time we put on a mask we hide something from the outside world, either it is a hurt we have or a fear that we carry. But what if our mask hides our light and hinders our faith? Could our mask make it hard for those around us to be able to see Christ in our life? I don’t ever want to allow a mask to hinder the light that shines in my life , to hide my faith in Christ.  Matthew 5:13-16 is talking about this subject. In these few verses it tells us that we are the light to the world and we should allow our light to shine bright.   The world we live in today is filled with dark violence from the media to the world around us.  If as Christians we hider and hide our light, then how will we effect the world with the love of Christ? Our love for Christ as Christians should be a notable thing in our lives.  As Christian we should influence the world around.

Matthew 5:13-16

New International Version (NIV)

Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.