People around the world are on an endless search for “real happiness.” Some search for contentment in all the wrong places, such as material things, sports, music, vacations or finding their dream job. Then there are those who expect other people to “make” them happy, and not understanding why it just doesn’t work! Some have the perfect house, perfect job and seemingly perfect life . . . but still are restless, discontent–and can’t quite figure out just what is missing. The truth is, no one can be truly happy without a close relationship with God. Many feel distant toward God because they are harboring bitterness and hatred in their hearts–not realizing it is standing between them and God’s perfect peace. You can never experience God’s gift of joy if you are harboring unforgiveness. Even more important–when you study God’s Word, it is clear that unforgiveness is “sin” for it is direct disobedience to God. When you think of all the things God has forgiven you–it hardly seems unreasonable for God to expect you to forgive others! Forgiving is an act of your will–not your feelings–because the reason to forgive is based on your love for your heavenly Father. When you forgive, your heavy burden will disappear and you’ll experience freedom and joy such as you’ve never known. Text: Matthew 6:14, Colossians 3:13, Matthew 18:21-22
Bible Texts:
Matthew 6:14 NKJV - "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
Colossians 3:13 NKJV - bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV - Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
