Contagious | Crosstraining 3.8.13

Romans 12:17-21 I’m a big Cleveland Cavaliers fan, so, naturally, I hate Lebron James. I watch the NBA just so I can root against him. I’m bitter, and I haven’t forgiven him for leaving the Cavs on such awful terms. As petty as it is to root against a player just because they left my favorite team, it’s exactly what most of us do every day with the people in our lives we haven’t forgiven. we root for them to fail, we hope they get what they deserve, we want revenge. Forgiveness is tough because most of us couldn’t bear the thought of walking up to someone and saying, “i forgive you.” Sometimes, the person doesn’t even know they need to be forgiven by you. Others wouldn’t want it even if you gave it to them. While we may need to actually tell some people “I forgive you” in certain situations, forgiveness is a personal matter of the heart in every situation. It may take a while for you to get there, but, to truly forgive, you have to stop wanting revenge and leave the justice to God. To forgive, you also have to genuinely want good for them. While this is foreign to so many of us, (we want people to pay!) this is exactly what forgiveness is. Just as God forgave us and wants the best for our life, so should we forgive others and want the best for them. it doesn’t mean we have to be best friends or even be around those people. It means we truly want what’s best for them when it comes to their life and relationship with God. Forgiveness is uncomfortable, it usually isn’t easy, and it can sometimes even be painful, but it will keep you from being controlled by bitterness. Who have you been bitter toward that  you need to forgive? READ THROUGH THE NEW TESTAMENT Today’s Reading: Acts 24]]>