by Melanie van den Berg
That’s probably one of the hardest things to do … to let go.
Let go of the grudge we hold on to.
Let go of the right to be right about something.
Let go of bitterness.
If we hold on to the injustice that has been done to us, to the wounded hearts then our hands are so tightly closed that we are unable to receive God’s good gifts. There’s no room in our hand (or heart) to receive what God has in store for us. The gift, or grace, or restoration and healing of our heart.
Colossians 3:13b “If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them.” ¹
We often say, sometimes very quickly, yes, I forgive this person. Out of a sense of duty or out of obedience to God’s word. That is of course our duty, that we do what is written in God’s word. But I think there is more than “just obedience”.
When I become aware of how much Jesus loves me, how much HE has forgiven ME and that He will even forgive ME in the future. I need to remember to keep in mind that I am ALWAYS loved by God.
Colossians 3:12 (add 12a): “You are always and dearly loved by God!”
It is vital that I claim for myself the truth that is in God’s Word, that says I am a new creation.
Colossians 3:10: “For you have acquired new creation life which is continually being renewed into the likeness of the One who created you; giving you the full revelation of God.”
Then my perspective changes. I start to see myself through Jesus’s eyes. I become aware of His mercy and grace.
But only when I let go my hand is open to receive the good gifts God has for me. I want to make more room for Jesus in my life.
I often think far too much about what others might think. This makes me dependent on others. That can become dangerous because I then try to do what others expect of me. Try to please others.
Instead, I want to ask myself:
– What does God actually want?
– What is His view of me?
– What does HE want to do through me?
Colossians 3:12b: “So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy.“ ¹
Wow, our destiny is to be holy – to live holy.
To do this, however, I must not only “obediently” let go, but also allow Jesus’ truth about my life to sink in. I need to receive Jesus gifts and the grace He has for me and also for you.
He doesn’t leave us empty handed and says „ok good, that you let go” – now figure out how to handle this situation. HE gives us healing – HE gives as a new perspective.
When we are in a place that is close to Jesus, in His presence, in His truth, then it is easier for us to let go because we understand that HIS love and HIS friendship and HIS closeness is so much more valuable than anything we can get somewhere else.
WE ARE (according to Colossians 3:10-13):
– Created by God into his likeness.
– Given full revelation of God.
– Always & dearly loved by God.
We are called to ACTION:
– Robe yourself with virtues of God because we’re chosen to BE HOLY.
– Take time to be in his presence.
– Take time to listen.
– Surrender all – body, soul and spirit
As we all know, this is not a onetime decision – it’s a daily task.
I want to learn to let go… more quickly. How about you?
References: Bible – The Passion Translation; Inspired through a sermon of Maria Fiechter (Gebetshaus Thun, Switzerland)
1= Emphasis by the author
Illustration “hands” by Melanie van den Berg