Sometimes relationships can be hard when hurt runs deep and forgiveness doesn’t come easy. Jesus teaches about the importance of forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” We know that we are supposed to forgive. But, sometimes it feels impossible to forgive.
Recently when I was swimming laps down at my favorite 50 meter outdoor pool, God gave me a beautiful picture addressing a situation where I needed to forgive. All of the water that was surrounding me was washing away all the hurtful things and completely removing them. Then, I saw the blood of Jesus covering all of the offenses making everything white and new. The living water of Jesus was literally surrounding me and I was overwhelmed by a sense of deep peace. It was such a powerful reminder of the difference the death and resurrection can make in our lives.
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18
I heard an illustration comparing unforgiveness to carrying around a sack of potatoes. Not only is the bag heavy and cumbersome in the journey of life, eventually the potatoes rot and smell. In the same way, anger festers and turns to bitterness that eventually rots the soul.
Jesus invites us to lay it all down at the cross and he promises to forgive us and make us new creations.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
“In Christ I am a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Jesus Joy Journey 
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