Good day
Something I believe the Holy Spirit brought up recently is that we start the new year off with forgiveness.
In the below passage one of the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray and one of the areas covered in that prayer is forgiveness:
Luke 11:1-4
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
One of the reasons I believe forgiveness is so important is because harbouring unforgiveness (including offence, bitterness, resentment, hatred, anger, etc.) can cause turmoil and that turmoil can contaminate our soul, to the point where we respond/react/speak out of that turmoil and this is not what God wants of us because He's called us to be at peace:
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Romans 14:17-19
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For the one who serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and is approved by men. So then, let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
(I also believe that it's when we're in this state of peace that we can more easily hear and follow the Holy Spirit's guidance, we'll experience more peace and love in the home, it will show up in how we treat and engage others, It can be of benefit to our health as well) ... Peace really is something we should continuously be striving for.
So when it comes to forgiveness, I'd like to encourage us to take a moment and consider the below actions:
Asking God to forgive us for any form of disobedience we may have committed.
Asking our spouse and family to forgive us for treating them harshly or any ill treatment shown towards them, and basically not loving them as we should.
Letting go of all offence, resentment, bitterness, hatred, unforgiveness and anger held towards others for what they might have done to us, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
And also learning to forgive ourselves. Sometimes we can be in a place where God has already forgiven us and is expecting us to move forward in everything He's called us to but because we're still holding onto the guilt and burden of our sins, it can hold our minds captive, to the point where it can prevent us from moving forward.
Always remember that forgiveness is not something we can perfect in our own strength or ability - like every other instruction found in God's word - we need His help and grace to overcome and live out what He expects of us, so we always run to God, never from Him.
Amen
I'd also encourage you to read the below where I cover other aspects of unforgiveness. It's definitely worth reading and sharing with others who may need to hear this message.
Thank you my friend. Have a blessed day further