Divine Purpose (Part 7)

There is a major barrier that can hinder the divine purpose of God from flowing into your life.  You must eliminate it not only in order to receive financial blessings, but also to be able to fulfill your destiny.  Let’s start with the revelation from the Word: 

Matthew 5:23, 24 "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar , and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."

Do you recognize that barrier?  God’s Word declares that if you bring your gift to the altar and there is anything wrong between you and another person, you are to first be reconciled to them and then offer your gift.  If you are presenting your gifts with an unforgiving heart, they will not be accepted.   Forgiveness is not just a reluctant handshake, a forced smile, and mumbled words. It is a true change in feelings and attitudes that comes from deep inside your spirit. The fault is swept away and its negative influence on your emotions, thoughts, and actions cease. You can only do this when you have been forgiven yourself and you understand the true concept of forgiveness. Here are 5 simple steps to extend forgiveness to others and open the way for your gifts to God and your blessings from Him to be received:

-Deal with your anger.
When you are hurt, anger often results. If you try to forgive before you have dealt with your anger, then forgiveness will not be genuine and will not last.  Ask God for forgiveness for your anger.

-Accept what  happened.
It is sometimes difficult to come to terms with the reality of the hurts you have experienced. You hope that everything will return to normal, but it won't. You must accept that the incident happened. You cannot undo it. You cannot dismiss it. You cannot return to how it was before the problem happened.    

-Recognize that the offender is valuable to God. 
The offender, like us all, is flawed because they are human. Do not minimize the evil they have done, but consider their positive points, their strengths, and their potential.  Try to see them as God sees them, as valuable, important, and lovable despite their sins.

-Acknowledge your part in the offense. 
In human interaction, it is rare for a broken relationship to be totally the fault of one person. Admit your part in the offence and seek forgiveness from God and the offended person.

-Offer unrestricted forgiveness. 
God's forgiveness is offered without any conditions, despite His full awareness that we are completely untrustworthy beings who will fail again in the future. Do not demand any guarantees from the person to whom you are offering forgiveness.  Forgive as God has forgiven you.   Do you harbor unforgiveness against someone?  Does someone have something against you?  Deal with these issues, then bring your gifts of finances, time, and talents, and present them to God.