Tag Archives: Freedom

Outcomes

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The Greek word for forgiveness is aphiēmi. It means letting something go, sending it away, leaving it behind, and being done with it.

That is exactly what God has done for us. He doesn’t partially forgive. When Jesus went to the cross, it was all or nothing.

Here’s where it gets hard. He wants us to forgive others the same way.

When someone wounds us, our first instinct is often to lash out, yell, or say something that wounds them right back. Our natural response is retaliation. Jesus calls us to something far different: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Forgiveness isn’t pretending the hurt never happened. It isn’t saying the offense was acceptable. It’s choosing to place justice in God’s hands rather than carrying it ourselves.

There’s a consequence for being unforgiving. It steals peace, interrupts sleep, fuels anxiety, and keeps old wounds fresh. When we forgive, both parties benefit.

Paul writes in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Notice that little phrase: as far as it depends on you. We cannot control another person’s actions, but we can control our response.

Years ago my mother often reminded us, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It took me a long time to understand that obedience to those simple words almost always changes the outcome.

When old hurts begin to replay in my mind, I pray. Then I fill my thoughts with Scripture until my heart catches up with my prayers. God is faithful to meet me there.

Forgiveness is rarely easy.

Freedom is worth it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your endless mercy and complete forgiveness. You have removed my sins as far as the east is from the west. Pour Your unconditional love into my heart and help me extend it to those who have hurt me. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can release any bitterness or resentment I may be holding onto. I choose to let go of my need to control or fix the situation, and I lay it all at Your feet. Help me to trust You with the outcome and walk forward in peaceful freedom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I am joining a great group of Christian writers at 5-Minute Friday. We write for 5 minutes each Friday (sometimes longer). You can share your blog here https://fiveminutefriday.com/2026/07/02/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-outcome/

Freedom

Many hymns are embedded with powerful truths.  One that comes to mind is a phrase in America the Beautiful that says: Oh, beautiful, for pilgrims feet, whose stern, impassioned stress a thoroughfare for freedom beat across the wilderness.  Katherine Lee Bates who wrote these words near the turn of the 20th century (112 +/- years ago) was not only referring to settling the wilderness of this country but the wilderness of so many hearts and lives.

I can’t help but think of the many missionaries around the world whose feet are stressing (or hardening) the path (thoroughfare)  to true freedom.  Their passion is so strong they are willing to give up their entire selves to insure the freedom of just one other person.

Psalm 33:12 says: Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.  Imagine the power that the United States would be blessed with if we were to get rid of the other gods worshipped in this country and make Him the One and Only leader of our lives.  As another phrase of this well-known song says:  May all success be nobleness, and ev’ry gain divine.  Oh, Lord, make it so.

Ah, Lord, God, grant us the ability to believe so passionately that we too will make our lives more about others.  Thank you for the social and political freedoms we have in America.  Help us not to take this for granted.  What a mighty God we serve.