The Power of Forgiveness

For many years I held ill feelings toward a Bishop that I thought hurt me. Not long ago while praying God spoke to my heart and rebuked me for my ill feelings that had become bitterness. I felt if I was to ever see revival in my personal life I would have to make things right. My heart was broken as I wrote the following email to a former Bishop and then I was healed and released when I read his return email. I left his name out of the email because I respect him and would never want to anything to harm him. I will say that God has given me a real love and respect for this man and I pray for him often and the success of his ministry in the COG.

Please read and see the power of forgiveness…..

                                          
 
 

Dear Bishop ,
 
I hope all is well with you, your family and ministry.
 
I wanted to touch base with because I am looking for revival in my personal life and church. I have prayed and prayed for God to release freshness in my ministry and preaching to no avail. I have searched my heart in a very sincere way to find the heart of God.
 
A few weeks ago I found myself before God and looking for an answer…The answer came.
 
God spoke to me very clearly and revealed that I have held a very strong ought against you for things that have happened in the past. He also revealed to me that if I was to ever have a fresh anointing that I would have to make it right with you in the area of forgiveness.
 
I went through the most difficult time in my life in the early years here in Columbus and often thought of leaving ministry. I did not realize how much of my pain I blamed on you until time in prayer over the issue. I realize now that you were doing what you thought was best in a very difficult situation. I have always tried to hold you in high esteem and not treat you with disrespect. I did not however let it go but allowed the pain to become bitterness.
 
Without going to deep into my feelings and emotions I will say that I am on the other side of that difficult time and our church is doing great. However I want more of God in my personal life and I am willing to do whatever it takes to see that happen.
 
I want to apologize and seek your forgiveness for holding this ought against you for so long. I truly believe that you are a good man and that God uses you in profound ways. I simply believe now that we were both thrust into a battle that neither one of us wanted at Rejoice.
 
Please forgive me for the ill feelings that I have harbored against you. I want so bad to be free from this in my heart. I have asked God to forgive me and I want you also to know how sorry I am.
 
I know that you are a very busy man but I hope that you can take the time to read this and say a prayer for Valerie and Myself as we move forward in ministry.
 
Blessings
 
Rodney
His Response

Dear Brother Mullins,
 
I just got home from our morning Camp Meeting service and opened your most gracious email.  To say the least, I was shocked and moved deeply in my spirit!  Surprisingly, some time ago I tried to send you an email via your web site for the exact same purpose; simply to clear the air, if there was any “old stuff” hanging around between us.  Obviously, you did not receive that email, but still responded in such a beautiful way to God’s prompting to your spirit!
 
Please let me say a BIG thank you for this contact. It took a lot of God in your heart to do this and I am simply overwhelmed by your actions! 
 
And for the record, if I could go back and redo, re-run, or live again that season we struggled through together, I pledge before you and God that many of the decisions that I felt forced to make, would have a different outcome.  I ask you and your family to forgive me for any and all that I did to cause you pain, sadness or disappointment.  I am truly sorry before you and God!
 
I pray God’s best over you and ask you to be free from any pain or bitterness from our dealings in the past.  You have my deepest respect and I look forward to seeing you in San Antonio.  If I can ever help you in any way, please contact me!  I love you my brother…
 
Blessings,
 
Bishop_________

 

There is indeed power in forgiveness