Cleaning for the soul

2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’” (Luke 11:2-4)

I was rearranging a room recently, cleaning out cupboards and moving them so we could clean under where they had been standing. It made me think of how we could sometimes do with sorting out our hearts.

Just like a house, our hearts can collect dust and clutter – the dust of resentment, the grime of bitterness, and the cobwebs of unforgiveness. We could do some spiritual cleaning!

Why is forgiveness so essential? Imagine a house where the rubbish is never put out. Pretty soon, it would stink! Unforgiveness is like that. It festers and poisons our relationships with God and others.

• Sin Separates Us from God: Our sins create a barrier between us and our holy God. Like a dirty window, sin obscures our view of His love and grace. We need forgiveness to restore that clear connection.
• Unforgiveness Harms Us: Holding onto anger and resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It breeds bitterness, anxiety, and keeps us from experiencing true peace.
• Relationships Crumble: Unforgiveness is destructive with relationships. It builds walls, fuels conflict, and prevents healing and reconciliation. Forgiveness is the only force strong enough to stop the disintegration of relationships.

So, how do we scrub away the stains of sin and the gunk of unforgiveness? We can't do it on our own! We need a powerful cleanser: the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

• God's Forgiveness Through Jesus: Because God is just, sin must be paid for. Jesus, God's Son, took the punishment for all our sins when He died on the cross. When we believe in Him and ask for forgiveness, God wipes our slate clean! It's like a fresh coat of paint covering up the old stains.
• Forgiving Others as Christ Forgives Us: Jesus said we must forgive others to receive God's forgiveness. This isn't always easy, but it's essential. Remember how much you've been forgiven!
• How to Forgive: Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling. It means releasing the offender from the debt they owe you, deciding not to hold their wrong against them. It's a process that involves:
• Acknowledge the pain: Don't pretend it didn't hurt.
• Pray for the person: Ask God to bless them.
• Set healthy boundaries: Forgiveness doesn't mean allowing someone to continue hurting you.
• Trust God: Release the situation to Him and trust Him to work it out.

Forgiveness isn't easy, but it's worth it! When we allow Christ to cleanse our hearts, we experience freedom, peace, and restored relationships. We can move forward, unburdened by the weight of the past. So, let's throw open the windows of our hearts, invite Jesus in, and start cleaning!

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

Brian Leathers July 2025