Many people are imprisoned in a tomb of unforgiveness. A heavy stone stands between them and the risen Christ. Some refuse to forgive others, especially family members. Many maintain God has forgiven them but they can't forgive themselves. This is a self-deception.
The Bible speaks not of those who refused to forgive themselves but of those who refused to believe in God's forgiveness. Judas is a prime example. He despaired of being forgiven, so he hung himself (Mt 27:5). Like Judas, some feel they have committed the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mt 12:31). However, the only unforgivable sin is denying the Spirit's revelation that we can always be forgiven.
Many go to Confession but still feel guilty. They may say they believe God has forgiven them, but they actually don't believe. We are saved in every circumstance by faith. We are saved by faith from unforgiveness and from the despair of Judas. By faith, roll away the stone of unforgiveness.
| PRAYER: | Father, Abba, we have no right not to believe that You have forgiven us. Give us faith as we hear Your word (see Rm 10:17). |
| PROMISE: | "Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the Lord, my recompense is with my God." –Is 49:4 |
| PRAISE: | Praise Jesus, Who forgave even as He hung upon the cross (Lk 23:34). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College