Receiving Restoration Through Forgiveness
Scripture Focus: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Romans 8:28 (NIV) – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Isaiah 33:22 (NIV) – "For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us."
Reflection:
Have you ever wondered if the pain, bitterness, or unforgiveness in your heart is preventing you from receiving God’s full restoration? Imagine holding the key to a locked door but refusing to turn it. That’s what unforgiveness does. It keeps you bound in chains while the key to freedom is already in your hand. You’ve asked God to free you from the pain, yet He’s waiting for you to release the grudge and hand the situation over to Him. You’re only holding yourself in bondage.
God’s promise is clear: when we fully submit to Him, we open the door for Him to step in and take over. But we must trust His process, His timing, and His justice, even when it doesn’t align with what our hurt hearts desire. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our understanding. Submission opens the path to restoration, but it begins with trusting God as the ultimate judge and vindicator.
There are moments in life when God allows things to happen that we don’t understand. It’s in those moments that He calls us to lean not on our own understanding but to submit to His ways. This is how He can make our paths straight and turn every trial, every hurt, into something that works for our good (Romans 8:28).
The Weight of Unforgiveness:
Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die– it is slowly killing YOU! Holding onto unforgiveness, bitterness, or anger keeps us in spiritual bondage. We must trust God to be the judge, our vindicator, and our defender. Isaiah 33:22 says, “For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us.” When we step back and let God judge the situation, we find freedom.
Too often, we cling to the desire for justice or revenge in our terms, but God’s ways are higher than ours. 2 Corinthians 5:10 reminds us that we will all stand before Christ for judgment, and 2 Peter 3:9 teaches that God’s mercy and patience extend to all, as He desires no one to perish. God’s grace is abundant—He extended it to you and me, and He calls us to extend that same grace to others.
Who are we to withhold forgiveness when God, in His mercy, does not withhold it from us?
When we let go of anger, hurt, and bitterness, we free ourselves to receive the restoration that God has already planned. Holding onto unforgiveness not only delays that process but keeps us stuck in the past.
A Heart of Restoration:
God is in the business of restoration. Job’s story shows us that trouble doesn’t last forever, and even when everything seems lost, God has a promise of restoration ahead. What lies in front of you is far greater than what’s behind you, but to walk into that new season, you must be willing to leave behind the pain and disappointment.
God sees every hurt, every tear, and every injustice. And yes, He will judge, but His judgment may not always align with our hurtful desires for retribution. Remember that God is merciful, and we should thank Him for that. He’s gracious to us daily—covering our sins just as 1 Peter 4:8 says, “Love each other fervently, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
God’s love covers us, and He sees the best in us, even when others see the worst. Just like in the song "The Best in Me" by Marvin Sapp, God looks past our failures and sees the treasure He created. Let God do the same for those who have hurt you. Release them, knowing that your peace and healing are on the other side of forgiveness.
Turn Your Heart Away from Anger:
Ephesians 4:31 calls us to get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, and malice. These are the very things that prevent us from living in the peace and restoration God desires for us. Forgiveness is not about excusing wrong behavior—it’s about trusting God to heal your wounds and make things right. When we stop pointing fingers and leave judgment to God, we free ourselves. Proverbs 16:7 tells us that when our ways please the Lord, even our enemies will be at peace with us.
God’s desire is for restoration, not just for you but for everyone. He wants no one to perish but for all to come to repentance. As you release others, remember that God is restoring you, piece by piece, just like a potter with clay. No matter how broken you feel, God can put you back together, stronger and more beautiful than ever.
Reflective Journal Prompt:
What if the pain and unforgiveness you’re holding onto is the very thing blocking you from receiving God’s full restoration? Are you willing to submit it all to Him today, trusting Him to be your judge and vindicator?
Take some time to write down any areas of unforgiveness you’ve been holding onto. Be honest with yourself and with God. Ask Him for the strength to release these burdens and trust that as you do, He will bring the healing and restoration you need.
Closing Prayer:
Father, I come before You, laying down my pain, my anger, and my unforgiveness. I no longer want to carry this burden or be held in bondage by it. I release it to You, trusting You as my vindicator, my judge, and my healer. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me and to walk in the freedom and restoration You’ve promised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
God is waiting to restore you, but it starts with letting go. Trust Him with the broken pieces—He can put you back together. You are never too far gone for His love to reach.
Check out the You Tube video that goes with this blog post
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT3w3iPsRyo