My prayers tonight are centered around more of HIM and less of me. The amount of love and forgiveness that Jesus gives is more than my brain can handle at times. This leads me to a question for you tonight...what does true forgiveness looks like?
Forgiveness is not easy for most of us. Being the human natural response our instinct is to withdraw in to ourself as a protective measure when we've been injured. We don't naturally give mercy, grace and forgiveness when we've been wronged.
How do we forgive when we don't feel like it? How do we translate the decision to forgive into a change of heart?
We forgive by faith, out of obedience. Since forgiveness goes against our nature, we must forgive by faith, whether we feel like it or not. We must trust God to do the work in us that needs to be done so that the forgiveness will be complete.
Forgiveness is a choice we make through a decision of our will, motivated by obedience to God and his command to forgive. The Bible instructs us to forgive as the Lord forgave us:
- Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)
Thought to take away..... Forgiveness is a decision NOT a feeling!
My name is Debbie Henagan and I am the Founder and Exective Director of Project 5:17. We are based in Sulphur, LA.
5:17 is an after abortion recovery ministry. Abortion devastates individuals and families daily. I know this hurt very well. I had an abortion many years ago. I walked into the clinic one way and out another, changed FOREVER.
In March of 2006 after many years of silence, I finally surrendered to God and began the process of recovery & healing. I felt the power of what God can do to set us free from anger, shame, fear and unforgiveness. I now walk in a new life filled with hope, healing, grace and renewal. I am truly a picture of God's grace.
After my recovery, I began to pray the same prayer of Apostle Paul in 2 Cor. 1:3-4.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
This is a brief story of how 5:17 began. God’s hand has been on this ministry from the beginning. He ordained circumstances - events - placement of individuals and timing according to HIS plan.
His desire is to see men and women not only forgiven, but set free.
Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me.
In the grip of HIS grace,
Debbie Henagan
check us out on Facebook listed as Project 5:17 An After Abortion Recovery Ministry
