Tag: Heavenly Father

Forgiveness: The Heart of Christianity

Forgiveness is at the very center of Christianity. Jesus did not simply tell us to forgive the people we love—He challenged us to pray for those who hurt us, including those who may have deeply wronged us. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44) is not an easy command, but it is one of the most powerful ways we can follow Christ.

Forgiveness Does Not Mean Forgetting

When someone hurts us, forgiveness does not mean pretending that nothing happened. It does not mean that what they did was acceptable. It does not mean you must invite them back into your life, go out for coffee with them, or remove every healthy boundary.

Forgiveness means releasing the desire for revenge and placing the situation in God’s hands.

You can forgive someone and still remember the lesson. You can forgive someone and maintain appropriate boundaries. You can forgive someone without continuing a relationship that is unhealthy.

Forgiveness is for your heart and soul—not an excuse for someone else’s behavior.

Pray for Those Who Have Hurt You.

One of the most difficult parts of forgiveness is praying for the person who hurt you.

When anger rises, try a simple prayer:

“Lord, I forgive this person. Please bless them, guide them, and bring them closer to You. Heal my heart and theirs, and help me leave this hurt in Your hands.”

You may not feel forgiving when you first say those words. That’s okay. Forgiveness is sometimes a decision we make before our feelings catch up.

Pray anyway.

Remember How Much God Has Forgiven Us

Think about your own mistakes, failures, and weaknesses. Every one of us has needed God’s mercy.

The amazing truth of Christianity is that God’s forgiveness is not something we earn by being perfect. Through Jesus Christ, God offers us mercy, reconciliation, and a new beginning.

From the Cross, Jesus gave us one of the greatest examples of forgiveness the world has ever known:

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34

If Jesus could pray for forgiveness for those who were crucifying Him, surely we can ask Him to help us forgive the people who have hurt us.

Forgiveness Sets the Heart Free

Holding onto anger can keep us tied to the person who hurt us. Forgiveness begins to break that chain.

When we forgive, we are not saying, “What happened doesn’t matter.”

We are saying:

“What happened mattered—but I will not allow it to control the rest of my life.”

We give the pain to God. We stop seeking revenge. We ask God to heal the wounds that we cannot heal by ourselves.

And sometimes, forgiveness is not a single moment. Sometimes it is a decision we have to make again and again.

Share the Forgiveness We Have Received

God has shown us tremendous mercy. As Christians, we are called to share that mercy with others.

That doesn’t mean forgiveness will always be easy. It doesn’t mean there won’t be tears. It doesn’t mean trust will automatically return.

It means that, with God’s help, we choose mercy over hatred, prayer over revenge, and peace over bitterness.

Be the face of Christ to someone who needs forgiveness.

Pray. Forgive. Let go. And let God heal your heart.

As Saint Paul reminds us:

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32

A Prayer for Forgiveness

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for forgiving me when I fail You. Help me remember how much mercy You have shown me.

Give me the grace to forgive those who have hurt me. Help me pray for them rather than wishing them harm. Give me wisdom to maintain healthy boundaries while keeping bitterness out of my heart.

Lord Jesus, You forgave from the Cross. Teach me to forgive as You forgave.

Take my anger, my hurt, and my resentment. Replace them with Your peace.

I place this person—and this pain—in Your hands.

Amen.

Thank you for reading this blog. Please share with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

P.S. To find more about THM, Click Here.

August 15, 2026
The Freedom of Forgiveness

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34

Someone once said, “Not forgiving someone is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” That simple statement contains a profound truth.

When we refuse to forgive, the person we are angry with may continue living life without ever thinking about us. Meanwhile, bitterness quietly takes root in our own hearts. Anger grows. Peace disappears. Joy fades. Our relationship with God can suffer because our hearts become occupied with yesterday’s wounds instead of today’s blessings.

Unforgiveness is a prison whose door can only be unlocked from the inside.

The Greatest Act of Forgiveness Ever Given

The greatest example of forgiveness the world has ever witnessed came from God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Out of infinite love, the Father sent His only Son into the world to redeem us.

How did humanity respond?

We rejected Him.

We mocked Him.

We humiliated Him.

We scourged Him until His body was torn.

We pressed a crown of thorns upon His sacred head.

We forced Him to carry the heavy Cross through the streets to Calvary.

Then we nailed Him to that Cross and lifted Him high before the crowds so they could continue to mock and ridicule Him.

Yet in the midst of unimaginable suffering, Jesus spoke words that continue to echo through history:

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Those words were not spoken only for the Roman soldiers.

They were spoken for every sinner who has ever lived—including you and me.

Every sin, from the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden until the last person born before the end of time, was present before Christ. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He willingly accepted the weight of our sins because of His immeasurable love for us.

He chose forgiveness instead of revenge.

He chose mercy instead of condemnation.

He chose love instead of hatred.

Why Is Forgiveness So Difficult?

Often, we struggle to forgive because we continue living in yesterday.

We replay the hurt.

We replay the conversation.

We replay the betrayal.

The past becomes our home.

But God is always inviting us into the present moment.

Yesterday cannot be changed.

Tomorrow has not yet arrived.

Grace is found today.

Peace is found today.

God meets us today.

When we constantly live in the past, we keep reopening wounds that Christ wants to heal.

Forgiveness does not mean pretending the hurt never happened.

It does not mean saying that evil was acceptable.

It does not always mean trusting the person again.

Forgiveness means placing the hurt into God’s hands instead of carrying it ourselves.

It means refusing to let bitterness control our hearts any longer.

The Father Is Waiting

Jesus beautifully illustrated God’s love in the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

The father never stopped watching the road.

He never stopped hoping.

The moment his son returned, he ran to embrace him.

He clothed him.

He restored him.

Then he celebrated with a great feast.

That is our Heavenly Father.

Every one of us has wandered away from Him at one time or another.

Every one of us has needed mercy.

Every one of us has depended upon God’s forgiveness.

If God has forgiven us so generously, how can we refuse to forgive others?

A Prayer for the Grace to Forgive

If there is someone you have struggled to forgive, begin with a simple prayer.

“Lord Jesus, I cannot do this by myself. The hurt is real, and You know my heart. Give me the grace to forgive as You forgave me. Heal what is broken within me. Replace anger with peace, bitterness with love, and resentment with mercy. Help me to live in Your presence today rather than in yesterday’s pain. Amen.”

The Choice That Brings Freedom

Forgiveness is not weakness.

It is strength.

It is not surrendering to evil.

It is surrendering to God.

The Cross reminds us that love is stronger than hatred, mercy is greater than revenge, and forgiveness always has the final word.

Today, let us place our hurts at the foot of the Cross.

Let us leave behind the poison of resentment.

Let us receive the mercy Christ purchased for us.

And let us walk forward with peaceful hearts, knowing that our loving Father is waiting with open arms, ready to welcome every one of His sons and daughters home to the everlasting feast of Heaven.

Thank You for reading this blog. Please share with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

P.S. Click Here to learn more about the THM mission and join us in building a loving, caring, sharing community.

July 26, 2026
Some Things I Have Run Across in My Journey *

“A cheerful heart is good medicine.”* — **Proverbs 17:22**

During my journey through life, God has taught me many lessons—some through prayer, some through joy, and many through the ordinary moments I almost overlooked. Looking back, I have discovered that happiness is often a choice, gratitude is a habit, and every day is another opportunity to grow closer to Him.

As the years have passed, I have found that some of life’s greatest blessings are also its simplest. Smile often. Laugh often. Thank God often.

Medical researchers tell us that laughter can reduce stress, brighten our outlook, and even support better heart health. While laughter may not make us younger in years, it certainly can make us younger in spirit. How beautiful are the words of Scripture: >

*”A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”* > **— Proverbs 17:22**

God created us for joy. Every sunrise, every friendship, every child’s laughter, every kind word, every flower in bloom, and every answered prayer reminds us that our Heavenly Father delights in giving good gifts to His children.

## Seeing Blessings in Disguise One of the greatest changes in my life came when I stopped seeing interruptions as inconveniences and began seeing them as invitations from God.

Whenever something goes wrong—a spilled drink, misplaced keys, a delayed appointment, a flat tire, or any little mishap—I try to stop immediately and thank the Lord.

That may sound strange. Why thank God for spilling coffee? Because perhaps He is trying to slow me down. Perhaps He wants me to notice something I have overlooked. Perhaps He is gently encouraging me to clean the cluttered desk I have been avoiding.

Perhaps He is reminding me that His plans are often better than my own. Instead of becoming frustrated, I simply smile and pray:

“Thank You, Lord.”** It is amazing how quickly peace returns when gratitude replaces irritation. Our hearts become calmer. Our minds become clearer. We begin looking for blessings instead of problems.

The Apostle Paul encourages us: > *”Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”* > **— 1 Thessalonians 5:18** Notice that Paul says **in** all circumstances—not necessarily **for** all circumstances.

Even during life’s inconveniences, God is present, quietly working for our good.

Seeing Christ in Others Perhaps the greatest lesson I have ever encountered is this: **

Treat every person you meet as though you were meeting Christ Himself.** Imagine how differently we would speak. Imagine how patiently we would listen. Imagine how kindly we would serve. Jesus told us: >

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.”* > **— Matthew 25:40**

Every person you meet today is someone for whom Christ gave His life.

The cashier.

The waiter.

The receptionist.

The neighbor.

The lonely resident sitting quietly in the dining room.

The family member who sometimes tests your patience.

The stranger you may never meet again.

Each one is precious in God’s eyes. Living here at West Fork Village has reminded me again and again that every smile in the hallway, every shared meal, every friendly conversation, and every helping hand is another opportunity to encounter Christ.

We never know when a simple act of kindness may brighten someone’s entire day—or even change a life. When we begin seeing Christ in others, something wonderful happens.

We become more forgiving. More patient. More compassionate. More joyful. And the world becomes a little brighter because Christ is shining through us.

A Different Way to Live:

The world teaches us to hurry.

God teaches us to notice.

The world teaches us to complain.

God teaches us to give thanks.

The world teaches us to judge.

Jesus teaches us to love.

Those simple changes can completely transform the way we experience life. Smile more. Laugh often.

Thank God for every blessing. See every interruption as an invitation from God. Treat every person as though you were meeting Christ Himself.

Little by little, our homes become happier, our friendships become stronger, and our hearts become more peaceful. Most importantly, we grow closer to the One who walks beside us every step of our journey.

A Simple Challenge Tomorrow morning, before your feet touch the floor, ask God for three simple gifts:

– A heart that smiles.

– Eyes that recognize His blessings.

-The grace to see Christ in every person you meet.

If you sincerely pray that prayer each day, I believe it will begin to change your life—just as it has changed mine.

May God grant each of us the grace to recognize His blessings, whether they come wrapped in joy, hidden inside a small inconvenience, or standing quietly before us in the face of another person. For every day is a gift.

Every person is precious. Every moment is another opportunity to love God and to love one another.

And perhaps that is one of the greatest discoveries we will eve make. :::

Thank you for reading this blog. Please share it with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@thmjmj8875

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July 21, 2026
Come As You Are

A Father’s Day Invitation from Your Heavenly Father

Come As You Are

On this Father’s Day in the United States, there is a Father who longs to see you just as you are.

Not the polished version.

Not the version that tries to impress others.

Not the version hidden behind titles, accomplishments, or appearances.

Just you.

The real you.

Your Heavenly Father is not asking for perfection. He is asking for your presence.

Like the prodigal son in the Gospel, many of us have wandered. Some have wandered far from God. Others sit faithfully in church each week while carrying wounds, fears, regrets, and disappointments deep within their hearts.

Yet the Father’s invitation remains the same:

“Come home.”

The Father Who Waits

In the parable of the prodigal son, the father never stopped loving his child.

He watched.

He waited.

He hoped.

And when he saw his son returning from a distance, he did not condemn him. He did not lecture him. He did not shame him.

Instead, he ran to him.

He embraced him.

He welcomed him home.

That is how God feels about each one of us.

Many people spend their lives searching for love, acceptance, and belonging. Yet our Heavenly Father has already prepared all of these things for us. His heart longs for us to receive the love He freely offers.

Let God Love You

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is simply accept that we are loved.

We know our mistakes.

We remember our failures.

We see our weaknesses.

But God sees something more.

He sees the son He created.

He sees the daughter He formed.

He sees a beloved child made in His image.

When we come before Him in humility, He lifts us up. When we surrender our burdens, He carries them. When we acknowledge our need for Him, He fills us with His grace.

The Father does not merely tolerate you.

He delights in you.

The Feast Is Waiting

The father in the Gospel did not merely welcome his son home.

He prepared a feast.

That feast symbolizes the joy of life with God and the fellowship of His family.

At God’s table there is room for everyone.

There is peace for the troubled.

There is hope for the discouraged.

There is healing for the wounded.

There is joy for the weary.

There is love beyond anything this world can offer.

God desires that we share this feast with our brothers and sisters, encouraging one another and growing together in faith.

Love Poured Out on the Cross

The greatest proof of the Father’s love was revealed on Calvary.

Jesus Christ stretched out His arms upon the Cross and poured out His life for us.

Every drop of His Precious Blood proclaimed the same message:

“You are loved.”

The Cross is not a symbol of defeat.

It is the greatest victory of love the world has ever known.

God did not wait for us to become perfect before loving us.

He loved us first.

He loves us now.

And He will love us forever.

A Peace Beyond Understanding

Today, your Heavenly Father invites you to stop running.

Stop hiding.

Stop pretending.

Come as you are.

Bring your hopes.

Bring your fears.

Bring your sins.

Bring your wounds.

Bring your entire heart.

Allow Him to embrace you with His mercy and fill you with a peace beyond understanding.

Surrender yourself to His loving care.

Become the child of God He created you to be.

For you were made for more than this world can offer.

You were created for eternal life, eternal joy, and eternal communion with the Father who loves you beyond measure.

And His invitation remains open today:

Come home. Come as you are.

“See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.” — 1 John 3:1

Happy Father’s Day, and may God the Father bless you abundantly with His love, peace, and joy. 🙏

and may you accept it and embrace it. Make Your Father in Heaven very happy as you come to and truly accept His Eternal, Pease, and Joy. Live with Passion. Live for God today. He is truly living for you.

Thank you for reading this blog. Please share it with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

June 22, 2026
Go Make a Difference in the World
Let the Light of God Shine Through You

In a world filled with noise, confusion, and struggle, there is still one force powerful enough to change hearts, restore hope, and transform lives — the love of God working through His people.

God did not create us to simply exist. He created us to shine. Every smile, every encouraging word, every act of kindness, and every prayer can become a reflection of His presence in the world.

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we begin to see others differently. We become more patient, more compassionate, more forgiving, and more willing to serve. The Holy Spirit guides us to become light in dark places, life where there is discouragement, and love where there is pain.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” — Matthew 5:14

God Dwells Within Us

One of the greatest truths in the Christian faith is that God desires to dwell within us. Through faith, prayer, and surrender, our hearts become a place where His Spirit lives and moves.

Sometimes people search everywhere for peace, purpose, and joy, not realizing that God is already calling them from within. When we open our hearts to Him, He renews our minds, strengthens our spirits, and teaches us how to love others more deeply.

Our souls become a living testimony of God’s grace.

We are not meant to walk alone. God’s Spirit gives us courage when we are afraid, wisdom when we are uncertain, and hope when life feels difficult.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

Respond to God’s Creative Work in Your Life

God is continually working within each of us. He plants dreams, purpose, creativity, and compassion into our hearts. The question is not whether God is calling us — the question is whether we are willing to respond.

You do not have to be famous to make a difference.
You do not need wealth or status to change someone’s life.

A simple act of love can become a miracle for someone else.
- Encourage someone who feels discouraged
- Pray for someone in need
- Help a neighbor
- Share God’s love with kindness and humility
- Be a voice of peace in a divided world
These small acts become seeds of hope that God can multiply beyond what we can imagine.

Be Light, Life, and Love

The world needs more than opinions and arguments. It needs people who carry the Spirit of God with gentleness, truth, and compassion.

Today is a new opportunity to make a difference.

Let your life reflect God’s glory.
Let your words bring healing.
Let your actions reveal His love.

And wherever you go, may others see the light of Christ shining through you.

Final Prayer

Heavenly Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Help us become vessels of Your love, peace, and truth. Give us the grace and faith to believe that You truly dwell within us. May our hearts become a reflection of heaven, and may our lives inspire others to seek You. Teach us to respond to Your creative work within us and to boldly make a difference in the world through Your love. Amen.

Thank you for reading this blog. Please share with others,

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
May 17, 2026