Greetings Prayer Warriors,
Shame, regret, and remorse are awful feelings. They are dreadful forms of self-flagellation. Sometimes one tries to drown out their negative feelings with food or mood-altering substances. But nothing heals like mercy. And where mercy abounds, love springs forth from gratitude.
We are witness to this in the Gospel according to John, when Jesus asks Simon Peter, who prior to Christ’s crucifixion had denied Him 3 times, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Thrice asking Peter this allowed Peter to affirm his love for Jesus, 3 times. A remorseful Peter must have felt such peace! Jesus continued by helping Peter see that love is an action. “Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep.”
We too are called to action by imitating Christ in our merciful love toward others so that we may help restore another’s peace. Are we forgiving those who have hurt or offended us so that healing may occur? Are we seeking forgiveness from those whom we have hurt or offended?
When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions. Mark 11:25
Lord, send your Spirit upon us and all members of our families so that we may be emboldened to imitate Your merciful love. May we release those we have kept shackled by our unforgiveness, in turn seeing that we too will be releasing the chains we unknowingly put on our own hearts. Help us also to seek forgiveness from others. Restore us in your grace, even healing us from wounds that may have been passed down through the generations. Come Holy Spirit! Renew our hearts and minds!
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Mercy begets love. Forgive someone and pass it on!
