Forgiveness

I preached a mini sermon series a few weeks ago around the theme of Forgiveness. This is a hard concept for many of us to not only comprehend but ultimately put into practice. We harbor so much pain and hurt towards people that we end up hurting ourselves. I know that this was a burden in my own life. I came to the realization in my own life that I need to "release" others and ultimately myself through forgiveness. I know that the question is being raised as you read this, why should I forgive someone who has hurt and harmed me? The reason we should forgive someone, no matter what they have done to us, is because God has forgiven us. How can we who have been forgiven, not forgive? Jesus, as he hung on the cross for our sins, made the first statement out of his mouth, "Father forgive them, for they no not what they do". My prayer for all of us today is that we take the iniative to forgive someone and walk in the freedom and blessings that come when we follow the example of Jesus.