Jackie Kendall’s words are very powerful and convicting. It is easy to read something and think, “Oh, so-and-so should hear this, they really need to work on this!” And then we miss out on what God is trying to show us. I feel like with every page I am reading in “Free Yourself to Love: The Liberating Power of Forgiveness” that my own heart is being convicted of things I need to change. Praying before I read helps to keep my heart in check instead of wanting to judge others as I read. I hope you do the same as I share from scripture and Jackie’s words of wisdom, that you look at yourself instead of others.

“Few of us realize just how much we’ve been forgiven, and that is likely why we are not as forgiving as Jesus desires us to be.” “Too many people wait for someone to earn forgiveness, but that’s not forgiveness–that’s a wage, not a gift.” (pg. 67)

If we really look at our lives and the extent that we have hurt Christ with being self righteous, selfish, not thinking before we act or speak, etc. we should be very humbled when someone offends us or hurts us. I know I am guilty of wanting justice when I have been wronged. Proverbs 3:12 tells us though, “For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.” Wow. I have a lot of correcting that needs to be done so I can freely forgive others as Christ has forgiven me.

“Remember, forgiveness is an issue of obedience, not of following your feelings. And faith alone can move you toward obedience in spite of whatever feelings you have.” “…Those you have not forgiven are controlling you right now; they are the ones who are on the throne of your life, not Jesus.” (pg. 71)

Most of my life has been ruled by my feelings. They’re always present and usually stronger than anything else going on in my life, especially now with my pregnancy. I have to work hard at keeping my feelings in check and not make decisions based on my feelings. If I pause and go to God with a situation instead of acting on my feelings, things turn out much better.

Psalm 22:19 “O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid!”