Thursday, December 19th

Giving gifts at Christmastime....something we all do.  It's a way to commemorate the way the wise men brought the Savior gifts.  It's also the season to remember the greatest gift ever given---God's only begotten Son for all of mankind.  We've talked about giving gifts to others and how it's a great opportunity to share Jesus; but, yesterday we started a short series on the gifts you need to give yourself this Christmas.

Purity---in essence, it's probably the biggest reason this blog was started in the first place last year after camp.  It was the subject of yesterday's devotion because purity is a gift that, though given to yourself, will eventually bless others in your life---namely your future husband. 

Today I'd like you to consider giving yourself the gift of forgiveness.  Perhaps you've done things or said things that have hurt others, and you can't let go of the pain that your actions have caused someone else.  Maybe your forgiveness needs to be extended to someone who has wronged you in some way.  It could even be that you think you've forgiven them, but when push comes to shove, there's still a seed of bitterness in your heart.  Let's face it, girls, life is not perfect.  People are not perfect, and we are going to be hurt as we walk our paths day to day.  But, having an unforgiving spirit is spiritual suicide and emotional disaster.  Holding on to past hurts only allows the hurt to be present tense. 

There are some wounds that take time, this is true.  But, most of us are walking around holding grudges for things that are simplistic and carnal.  If we are ever to grow spiritually, we have to let go.

This Christmas, ask the Lord to search your heart for any trace of bitterness.  Give yourself the gift of forgiveness, girls.  Not for the sake of those whom you may have wronged or for those who have wronged you---but for yourself.  A gift just for you...just for Christ's sake.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1:17

Scripture Reading for the Day:

Proverbs 19
Philippians 2

1 comment:

  1. Wow.. It is mazing how post like this one comes at just the right time. I have been struggling with forgiving certain people. I realize now I am only hurting myself. By God's grace I will learn to forgive and forget.

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