TITLE: 50 DAYS OF PRAYERS AND EXERCISES FOR THE NEW YEAR.

THEME: Preparing Mentally and Spiritually for a Blessed Year-End and A Fruitful   New Year

DAY 15 – 16 (SUNDAY 26^TH AND MONDAY 27^TH NOVEMBER 2023)

TOPIC:  CULTIVATE KINDNESS AND FORGIVENESS

AUTHOR: MARY LAWRENCE-DOKPESI

SCRIPTURE:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32  

CULTIVATE KINDNESS AND FORGIVENESS

One of the most difficult teachings of the Master is forgiveness and letting go of all wrongs against us just as God forgave us completely. Although very difficult a practice, yet, it is the key to freedom from the schemes of the Devil.  Except we forgive one another, God won’t forgive us either, let alone hear our prayers. So why not forgive and be in alignment with God and His riches.

Today’s word encapsulates the essence of Christian living – kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody these virtues in our interactions with others, the reason being that kindness and compassion are at the core of the Christian faith.

Jesus exemplified these qualities throughout His earthly ministry, showing love and empathy to all, regardless of their background or circumstances. As recipients of God’s boundless grace and forgiveness, we are called to extend the same to those around us. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is essential for our spiritual well-being. As we enter into the New Year, it is best we enter with a heart of gratitude, pure and ready to receive the power and Grace of God for the year. Do not let unforgiveness deny you of God’s blessings.

Also remember, when we forgive others, we release ourselves from the burden of carrying resentment into the New Year and open our hearts to experience the freedom that comes from extending grace.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

1.     Cultivate Kindness and Forgiveness

2.     Identify any unresolved conflicts or grudges in your life: Take a moment to reflect on any lingering conflicts or unforgiveness in your heart. Acknowledge the impact these may have on your spiritual well-being.

3.     Take intentional steps towards forgiveness and reconciliation

4.     Reach out to those you may have conflicts with and seek reconciliation. If direct communication is not possible, spend time in prayer, releasing any bitterness or resentment.

5.     Pray for a heart of kindness and compassion towards others: Ask God to grant you a heart that reflects His love and forgiveness towards others.

6.     Reflecting the forgiveness, we have received from Christ: Meditate on the depth of God’s forgiveness towards you and allow that realization to shape your interactions with others.

 PRAYERS

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your immeasurable love and forgiveness. Help me to cultivate a heart of kindness and compassion towards others, following the example of Christ. Grant me the strength to forgive as I have been forgiven and to extend grace in all my interactions. Amen.

FURTHER READING: Colossians 3:13; Matthew 6:14-15; Luke 6:37