Pause: A Month of Gratitude in Five Minutes a DaySample

Proclaim

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:8-9)

Prompt

A random speaker whose name, unfortunately, I don’t remember once said something that’s stuck with me ever since I heard it:

“I had to realize that if I wanted a life of freedom, I would have to live a life of forgiveness.”

This simple statement shook me and changed me. In an instant, I realized what I had allowed to happen and just how far away from God’s purpose I had strayed because I chose to stubbornly cling to unforgiveness.

Maybe right now you realize why you’ve been waking up angry, frustrated, and generally ungrateful. Maybe you, too, are trapped in the land of unforgiveness, just like I’ve been.

Want to take even more steps toward freedom? Practice Radical Forgiveness.

What does that mean? It means you ask God to help you instantly forgive everyone who harms you. Yes, instantly. It might sound daunting, but you’ll get there if you start by asking God to help you, today.

Forgiveness is the essence of a life of freedom.

Prod

Ask God to reveal everyone you need to forgive right now. List them!

Praise

Listen to “Holding Nothing Back” by Jesus Culture

Pray

Jesus, help me develop radical forgiveness. When people hurt me. Help me forgive them. When people come to mind who have hurt me, help me forgive them. I know you forgave me, so I ask your help in forgiving [NAME OF PERSON]. I give them entirely to you today, trusting that you will work in their life the same way you worked in mine. You love them, Lord—help me to love them, too. Amen.