Unusual forgiveness rituals…

Flying to Hawaii to speak to Bible school students was a beautiful and unforgettable experience. Hawaii! It was a completely different culture for me, and I learned about completely different traditions, too.

Have you ever heard of "Ho'oponopono"? It's a Hawaiian forgiveness ritual. As the word "ritual" implies, it's an act that's constantly repeated. According to tradition, these repetitions must take place in order to maintain their power and effectiveness. It is recommended that the ritual prayer be prayed at the same time daily and in the same place for a period of four to six months, or however long people's hearts advise them, so they can experience its full effectiveness.

To me, this practice sounds exhausting, more like punishment than freedom! I already know that my heart wouldn't be a good advisor, and as for my own sins, I couldn't ever forgive myself! Besides, I don't think I'd have the perseverance or time to follow through with the ritual. In that respect, I'd know from the beginning that I couldn't get rid of my guilt. I'd just have to resign myself to living with it.

Isn't it amazing how simply we can come before God, the one true God and eternal Maker of heaven and earth, with our faults? He doesn't want us to punish ourselves any longer when He already took our punishment on the cross! Yes, He suffers when He sees you suffer. Jesus paid the price. Choose to accept this beautiful truth…you are free!

"Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy." (Micah 7:18, NKJV)

God delights to show you His mercy and forgiveness! Wow. He wants you to understand that your guilt is already wiped out!

Do you believe that any remaining guilt you feel can be gone today, once and for all? Then unload it to Him now through prayer—and know that "'...if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.'" (See John 8:36, NLT)!

You are a miracle!

Déborah