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The Gift of Peace

Wednesday, December 4th
The Gift of Peace
By: Nicole Goddard


Forgiveness is a tricky thing, isn’t it? It can quite arguably be one of the most difficult calls of the Christian walk.

One of the most serious side effects of withholding forgiveness is bitterness. Bitterness towards your offender, bitterness towards your circumstances and even anger towards God and the world around you. Hebrews 12:15 warns us, “Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many.”

You see choosing to forgive or not to forgive isn’t always just about you and the recipient. Bitterness can cause trouble and defile many. It can keep a child from knowing a loved one. It can dismantle an entire group of friends because two can’t see eye to eye. It can cause you to guard your heart so much that you never explore the other side of an opened door.
God recognizes forgiving isn’t easy. “No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11.

Forgiveness is more about granting peace in your life than about making your opponent feel better. You can choose to forgive and still place a healthy boundary in that area. Let forgiveness yield peace in your heart and watch it flow into all the areas of your life and touch those around you.

If Pastor Chris' sermon on forgiveness and reconciliation pulled on your heart this past weekend, give yourself the gift of peace this Christmas season.

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