I think we’ve all been in a season of shaking, sifting, pruning,etc. The one thing that has come up in my heart over and over during this season is the act of forgiveness and confession of sin in the form of holding un -forgiveness. This seems to be a key in these times- to allow the Lord to humble us into a deeper life of repentance whereas we lose our right to hold grudges against others. It seems so easy on paper, but when you’re crossed the wrong way and that button is pushed- BOOM!! You can go from a cloud nine Jesus lover to hiding away from everyone and wondering why Jesus wants to sabotage your walk with Him. Haha. Does that make sense? Well, that’s the soul being exposed for what it is- full of self. Self is so deceptive. But we can be assured that the Lord is going to bring us into a work to conquer and put away that self life, which to me is a greater miracle than even parting the Red Sea!! Even better, as every little bit of us decreases as the Lord leads and we submit, He increases! Thank you Lord Jesus, lover of our souls!!
So as we approach Father’s Day, the thought of the Lord disciplining us as a good father comes to mind. This specific form of discipline is in the form of confessing and forgiveness. Here is some encouraging scripture regarding these things…….
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Mark 11:25
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Colossians 3:13
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.