What I've come to learn after being in the ministry for over 20 years, is that at this time of year certain emotions begin to come to the forefront which can hinder believers from giving God praise for the upcoming celebration of the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord.
The world parades as though everybody should automatically be cheerful. But for many people it is just the opposite. Depression sets in during holiday times, anger arises, bitterness is magnified, unforgiveness is at its highest peak, and tragedies run rampant.
The negative emotions that people have held in their heart over the years begin to well up. Then they meditate on it instead of dealing with it according to the Word of God.
Holding on to past hurts is a tremendous hindrance to the power of God in your life. However, forgiveness can cause these past hurts to dissipate, and bring you to your position of victory, with Satan under your feet. You can forgive that person.
You can look at it this way. If anybody had a right to have a complaint against us, it was Jesus. But He treats us with such love, in that while we were yet sinners, He forgave us and died on the cross for us.
But it didn't stop at the cross. The reason we should make this "the most wonderful time of the year" is because Jesus is still extending forgiveness to us today. Maybe we've missed the mark over and over again. The good news is that His Word is still the same.
He's waiting for you to come to Him so He can cleanse you with His forgiveness. He'll not cast you away. He forgives you and throws your sin as far as the east is from the west. Now that's a whole lot different that what we deserve.
Receive God's forgiveness and love. Then what will please Him is that you turn right around and forgive others of those things of the past. If Jesus forgave them; if Jesus died for them, certainly you can forgive them.
Let it go; that way you can truly enjoy the holiday season in peace for the rest of your life. Yes, it can be for you the most wonderful time of the year!
Scripture References: John 6:37; Hebrews 13:8; 1 John 1:9
Keith Butler Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).
