Devotional day 3: the grace and power to forgive.

Day 3

Title: In Awe of His Grace: The Power of Forgiveness

Verse: James 4:12 - "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who can save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?"

Several years ago, I discovered that a neighbor I held in high regard had acted dishonestly, betraying my trust. Their sudden distance made sense when I uncovered their actions. The weight of disappointment and hurt was profound, mainly because their behavior was unexpected.

During this trying time, I found solace in old sermons by Jill Briscoe. Jill and her husband's ministry was a beacon of unwavering faith and obedience for over six decades. In a particular sermon, Jill emphasized that reading the Bible shouldn't just serve our self-centered desires for comfort. Yes, it's a balm for our souls, but its primary aim should be to draw our focus towards God's will and purpose for our lives.

Reflecting on this lesson, I read the Scriptures when grappling with my feelings about my neighbor's betrayal. I'd been engrossed in the book of James, and although I initially yearned for the comfort of familiar verses, I felt an inner prompting to delve into James chapter 4. As I reached James 4:12, clarity struck: "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who can save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?"

This revelation felt as potent as the moment God dealt with Miriam's defiance when she falsely accused Moses of acting superior, striking her with leprosy, which isolated her from the community for days (Numbers 12). God's voice rang clear through that verse: Judgment was His domain, not mine. With a newfound perspective, I acknowledged my resentment towards one neighbor and, as the Lord unveiled, towards another. I forgave them from my heart and sought God's forgiveness for my shortcomings.

What stands out is how intimately God addressed my heart. Entrusting Him with our lives means surrendering control over every facet, especially when we feel wronged. Sometimes, what seems like an arrow of harm might be a tool God uses to refine and guide us. It's not our place to judge; instead, let's lean on His perfect judgment.

Reflection: Dear gorgeous, might there be a neighbor or someone from your past whom you need to release in forgiveness?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for forgiving me of all my sins. Please teach me how to forgive those who have wronged me. Reveal my resentment and bitterness and lead me to a place of forgiveness and grace. I am grateful for your love and grace in my life.