What does it mean to “Bear the Cost” in life?  I think another word would be FORGIVENESS.    When wrongs done to us by others occur, we can choose to forgive them and bear the result of what they have done to us. No, it is not easy to bear the wrongs they have placed on our backs, but didn’t Christ do this very thing for us?

Forgiveness is a topic that can easily injure a depressed or wounded person.  It is not my intent to pour saltwater on anyone’s open wound.  It is however my intent to make my readers think, ponder, meditate, and pray over the ideas I share.

So, are there wrongs you are bearing?  Were these wrongs caused by your own actions or by other people? How are you holding up?  Do you feel some of the wrongs you must bear are God’s fault and an unfairness directed at you?  Do you question His motive and love for allowing you to bear something that you did not want or ask to endure?

It takes the supernatural power of God’s love to forgive a person who has done you a wrong.  It begins with a willing heart.  Don’t worry about emotions.

There have been several times when I have not felt like forgiving someone.  However, by laying down my will and choosing to do so I honor God.  He works on my heart and enables me to pray for the person who sinned against me. Often they are unbelievers and I ask the Lord to open their eyes and draws them close to Him. With time, the bitterness and pain they caused me lessens.  I wish I could completely forget the wrongs they have done me, but at least I have a peace in knowing I have done all I can possibly do to forgive and move forward.

Forgiving yourself for past sins will allow you incredible freedom in Christ. He does not want us handicapped and weighed down by chains of regret. There are many scriptures about His forgiveness of sins.  Once you confess sin and turn from it, He forgets they even happened.  When you bring them up He says, “What?  What are you talking about dear one?  I don’t remember anything like that in your life?  Did you confess it to Me already?  If so, it is gone from My memory. Why are you bringing it up again?”

Finally, let’s talk about Forgiving God.  If there are some readers who are angry with God for their present or even past circumstances, ok.  God can handle your anger.  However, we need to eventually get to a place where we cast the anger aside, confess it, and acknowledge that God created us.  Therefore, He can do what He pleases with our lives.  Fortunately, we have a loving Creator who wants to bless us.  His intentions are always good and right.  Not understanding why things happen is probably why some readers hold unforgiveness towards God.

Dear Reader,
I will start out by saying that I am sorry for your pain but I am NOT sorry for the circumstances God placed in your life.  There is a reason for them and I know, through faith, that they are meant for your own good.  He will not give us anything beyond our power to bear.  Believe me, there have been many times in my life, especially this past year, where I reminded Him daily that my frame was but dust!!!  Please pray about any anger, bitterness, or the unforgiveness you have towards God and confess it.  Your anger is sin and it hinders your growth and Christian walk. 

We are therefore conquers.  I know you can manage any trial He places before you.  However, it sometimes helps to hear words of encouragement and hope from others who have travelled the upward path to the High Places. If you know my story, I think you know I understand your pain and suffering.

ROMANS 8:37-39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

MATTHEW 6:14-15   For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

MATTHEW 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

PSALM 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.