Mark 11:25, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

I was a young married woman when a woman who did not like me expressed it in her letters to me. The first letter I received put me in total shock and disbelief. I hardly knew her, had only been around her a few times, yet according to her letter, I had hurt and insulted her. Even after I wrote letters of sincere apology, she continued to accuse me.

I called my Mother who knew her.  My mother responded, “My dear, when you hang up this phone, get on your knees and tell the Lord you CHOOSE to forgive her for all she’s said – and for whatever she might continue to say.”

I defended, “But I haven’t done anything to her! She has made all of this up!”

Mom: “ It doesn’t matter, you CHOOSE to forgive her regardless. Remember, we are to forgive as God has forgiven us.  None of us could EVER deserve His forgiveness. This woman is in bondage; and if you do not CHOOSE to forgive, you will also be in bondage to her – and to unforgiveness.”

Hanging up the phone, I had a choice to make.

With my husband’s support and prayers, I had numerous opportunities to forgive this woman. Looking back, I’m SO glad I chose to forgive – and be obedient to my heavenly Father.

Over the years, women have come to me with stories of hurts – and said, ”I will NEVER forgive after what they said/did…” In turn, I have been able to share my story that proves the power of God’s forgiveness.

Clothe yourself with forgiveness rather than choosing UNForgiveness that will put you in a prison of self pity and will hinder your prayers!

Today’s Prayer… Dear Lord may I put on your forgiveness and choose to forgive people by your standards rather than my standards. Thank you for forgiving me, and that You are big enough to help me forgive anyone for anything!

-Phoebe Dunn