The Cross Frees You to Forgive
By Rick Warren
“We know that our old life died with Christ on the cross so that our sinful selves would have no power over us.” Romans 6:6 (NCV)
Jesus broke the power of sin on the cross. Romans 6:6 says, “We know that our old life died with Christ on the cross so that our sinful selves would have no power over us” (NCV). This is great news, especially because our natural inclination is to do the wrong thing.
It’s our natural, human inclination to hurt others when they hurt us. If someone says something bad about you, you want to say something bad about them. We tend to hold on to hurts and struggle to forgive.
But you can break that bondage to bitterness, guilt, resentment, and worry. You can avoid becoming a slave to the past and to hurtful memories. You can choose to forgive.
What hurt are you hanging on to? Let me ask you a very important question about that hurt: How badly do you want to be healed of it? Do you want to let it go? Maybe you’ve gone over it a thousand times in your mind—what your parents did, what your sibling did, what your spouse did. Every time you think about it, it still hurts.
The cross has the power to free you from grudges, grief, and resentment. There’s nothing outside of the cross that will empower you to let go of the emotions that are weighing you down. On the cross, Jesus broke the power of sin, death, and bondage in your life.
I want you to think of the person you need to forgive—the person whose offense planted a seed of bitterness in you—and I want you to pray this prayer right now:
“Father, only you understand how much I’ve been hurt by this person. I don’t want to carry the pain for another second. I don’t want to be a bitter person. But I need your grace and the power of the cross to release my hurt and to forgive those who’ve hurt me. This is the turning point.
“First, I need to experience your forgiveness. You know all the ways I’ve hurt others, and I’m so sorry for my sins. Jesus, thank you for dying for me. I accept your grace and forgiveness, and I need it daily.
“Today I’m turning to you, and I’m choosing to forgive like you’ve forgiven me. Every time the memory comes back, I’ll forgive that person again until the pain is gone. Heal my heart with your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Help Share the Good News of Jesus with the World!
Right now, billions of people around the world still need to hear about the work Jesus accomplished for them on the cross. And through your gift below, you can help reach them!
As thanks for your gift, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s The Seven Greatest Words of Love Bible study*, which explores Jesus’ final words on the cross and uncovers how they hold the key to finding true joy and fulfillment in your life, career, and relationships.
Request your copy when you give today—and thank you for your partnership!
*Video is available in DVD or streaming formats. The workbook will be mailed to you.
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
