Living Free - March 27, 2007

Today's Scripture
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 NIV

Thoughts for Today
Forgiveness is one of the most difficult tasks to be accomplished in the process of working through grief. If we are honest with God about our hurts and disappointments, he will lead us into the freedom of forgiveness.

Sometimes it will be another person you need to forgive: the deceased for dying and leaving you, the medical personnel for not saving your loved one's life, or someone you think may have contributed to your loved one's death. You might even be struggling with forgiving yourself for those last words you did - or didn't - say.

Forgiveness is never easy, but we remain prisoners of those we fail to forgive. Forgiveness allows us to be released from the hold another person, living or dead, has on us. 

Consider this ...
Are you struggling with unforgiveness? Consider taking these thoughts and feelings to God today. Be honest with him and allow him to help you. With the help of his strength and his love, you can overcome. Only then can you move on to complete healing and a future filled with hope.

Prayer ...
Lord, thank you for forgiving me for every failure, every sin. I've let you down so many times, and yet you continue to forgive - and to love. Help me be more like you. Help me to forgive those I've held things against. Help me to forgive myself. In Jesus' name ...

These thoughts adapted from ...      

Handling Loss and Grief. People going through this group will be able to identify what the Bible has to say about handling the losses of life. It offers biblical coping methods for facing loss and comfort to those who have faced loss. This guide also provides help for anyone ministering to those experiencing a "little death" in life: divorce, loss of job, etc. 

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