{"id":57675,"date":"2025-01-02T11:47:32","date_gmt":"2025-01-02T08:47:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=57675"},"modified":"2025-10-02T14:26:39","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T11:26:39","slug":"begin-the-year-with-forgiveness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2025\/01\/02\/begin-the-year-with-forgiveness\/","title":{"rendered":"Begin the Year with Forgiveness"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Scripture reminds us that <\/span>\u201cThings that cause people to stumble are bound to come\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Luke 17:1, NIV).<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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When someone close to you\u2014or even far from you\u2014hurts you deeply, forgetting that pain can be very difficult.<\/p>\n

If you are born again and quick to forgive and let go, then the Lord has truly transformed your heart. But if you find yourself struggling with unforgiveness, recognize that this is a serious issue that needs to be dealt with\u2014especially at the beginning of the year.<\/p>\n

Perhaps you\u2019ve been hurt by a family member, a loved one, a friend, your spouse, your children, your pastor, a fellow believer, a teacher, or someone else. That bitterness is like poison\u2014today, it\u2019s time to let it go.<\/p>\n

There is one powerful key that helps us overcome unforgiveness:<\/p>\n

Reflect on the Forgiveness of Jesus<\/h3>\n

Think for a moment about how many wrongs you have committed against God. You may say,\u00a0\u201cI have never wronged anyone!\u201d<\/em>\u00a0But what about God? Have you never sinned against Him? Have you lived a completely flawless life? Scripture says,\u00a0\u201cWhen they sin against you\u2014for there is no one who does not sin\u2026\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(2 Chronicles 6:36, NIV).<\/p>\n

Consider your thoughts\u2014how many times have they turned impure, and yet God still sees you? How many times has anger burned in your heart, and still God has watched patiently? Think about how many times He has forgiven you, and how many times you still need His forgiveness.<\/p>\n

If God has freely forgiven us of so much, why can\u2019t we forgive those who wronged us last year, last month, or even yesterday?<\/p>\n

Sometimes the person who hurt you may never ask for forgiveness. But you should still forgive them. Jesus Himself forgave those who never apologized.<\/p>\n

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\u201cJesus said, \u2018Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.\u2019 And they divided up his clothes by casting lots\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Luke 23:34, NIV).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Some people will hurt you and still believe they\u2019ve done nothing wrong. Others may continue hurting you again and again. Still, the principle remains the same:\u00a0forgive.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you reflect on your own sins before God, you will always find a reason to forgive others.<\/p>\n

A Parable of Forgiveness<\/h3>\n

Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:21\u201327 (NIV):<\/p>\n

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\u201cThen Peter came to Jesus and asked, \u2018Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?\u2019
Jesus answered, \u2018I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.\u2019
Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
At this the servant fell on his knees before him. \u2018Be patient with me,\u2019 he begged, \u2018and I will pay back everything.\u2019
The servant\u2019s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This parable teaches us a crucial truth: if we fail to reflect on the forgiveness we have received from God, we may also fail to forgive others. But if we truly understand the weight of what we\u2019ve been forgiven, it will soften our hearts to forgive those who wrong us.<\/p>\n

None of Us Is Without Fault<\/h3>\n

Scripture says:<\/p>\n

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\u201cIndeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Ecclesiastes 7:20, NIV).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Even when others speak against you, remember:\u00a0\u201cFor you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Ecclesiastes 7:22, NIV).<\/p>\n

In other words, you have also wronged people in the past.<\/p>\n

A Prayer for the New Year<\/h3>\n

At the beginning of this new year, ask the Lord to create in you\u00a0a heart of forgiveness.<\/em>\u00a0Only He can give such a heart. If you sincerely pray, He will transform you. Find a quiet place, go before Him, and ask Him to help you forgive freely as He has forgiven you.<\/p>\n

And remember\u2014share this good news with others.<\/p>\n

If you would like to receive Jesus into your life, we are here to help you. Please reach out through the contact information below.<\/p>\n

To receive daily teachings on WhatsApp, join our channel by clicking this link:
\ud83d\udc49\u00a0Join our WhatsApp Channel<\/a><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcde Contact us: +255693036618 \/ +255789001312<\/p>\n

May the Lord bless you richly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/main>\n