DAY 25

Day 25
"Love Forgives"

"What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ."
(2 Corinthians 2:10)

Forgiveness has to happen, or a successful marriage won't ... But marriages which follow 1 Corinthians 13:5 which says, "(Love) keeps no record of wrongs" will be a successful marriage. When you forgive another person, you're not turning them loose. You're just turning them over to God, who can be counted on to deal with them His way . . . It's about freedom. And I can add that it is about peace. Carrying around the burden of unforgiveness is dangerous because it can cause distractions and guilt. Misunderstandings can be so common in a relationship. Easier said than done? Perhaps, but it's worth it if you can day-by-day surrender the arguing, the winning-and-losing, the rehearsing of wrongdoing, the scripting of grievances - and let God do what He promises in Romans 12:19, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord". This does not mean that things don't get addressed that need to get addressed. It just clears you of having to worry about how to punish them. This is not a simple issue, and more will be said in days to come. But try the challenge - you might feel like a weight has been lifted off of your shoulders. Say "I choose to forgive" and mean it.

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

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)

"Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites."
(Mark 12:41-42)

This passage teaches us that complete sacrifice is the reasonable response to God's goodness. We can only come into a relationship with Jesus Christ by willfully surrendering our lives to Him. In other words, we must acknowledge that every part of our lives including our marriage, dreams, lifestyles, and yes, even our finances and material possessions are submitted to His control.

In God's divine providence you have been placed in this Journey for a purpose and a plan. Ask Him today to reveal His plan and be confident that His blessing and miraculous provision will follow your obedience to His will.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for the generous love with which you have loved me. You didn't hold anything back when it came to saving me. I want to live with that same heart towards my wife, my children, and others in my life. In Jesus' name,Amen.

Scripture For Today: James 5:13-16 ... Ask God to place your wife on your heart that you can pray for her today. Ask your wife today if you can pray for her. And if she says yes - then take both of her hands and look into her eyes and pray over her from the very core of your heart.