Can you imagine after everything Jesus went through on his way to the Cross that the first words out of His mouth were words of forgiveness!  It's obvious he didn't forgive because it was easy, painless or comfortable.  He was setting the example for each one of us and for the generations that would follow. 

Many of you have read Jessica's Story, it's an incredible truth that has pierced the hearts of those abused and those who can't even imagine such demented acts of perversion and violence.  Jessica's story goes on to yet another chapter, her journey back to the village of her childhood, in the Philippines, to confront her assailants.    

Those of us fortunate enough to be close to Jessica have learned when you've been hurt or offended, sometimes it's tempting to hold on to unforgiveness.  But we have to remember, when people wrong us, our battle is not against flesh and blood.  In other words, that person who hurt you is not the real enemy, they're unsuspectingly being used.  The Bible says that your adversary is the devil, and he knows that if you don't forgive, then your prayers will never be effective.  Unforgiveness puts up a barrier in your life to the power of God.  In fact, if we don't forgive others, we can't be forgiven by God.  We acknowledge that every time we pray the Lord's Prayer "Forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." 

When Jessica returned to the Philippines to confront her violators something miraculous happened.  The men in the village feel on their face weeping as Jessica entered the village and began praying asking God to forgive them.  The men that day confessed their sins and asked Jesus to come into their hearts and to save them.  Jessica understood the power of the Cross and the victory of forgiveness and knew it was the only way she would no longer be bound and tormented with a spirit of anger, hate and revenge (instruments of the enemy).    

When you choose forgiveness, you open the door for God's healing power to flow through your life.  Disarm the enemy in your life today by choosing forgiveness.  Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who wrong you.  Look at what Jesus did when He was betrayed, beaten, mocked, and disrespected, he chose forgiveness.  That was the beginning of His victory!  Unforgiveness is yet another one of the enemy's instruments intended to keep you from being all God created you to be.  Victorious!   

Have the best weekend ever!