Forgiveness
Good morning,
It seems that one of the problems humanity struggles with is forgiveness. Forgiveness is referenced in books, movies, and often in Scripture; the decision to forgive remains difficult, but it is of utmost importance. We read about it on wall hangings; but honesty, we know what is right, yet it remains difficult.
Colossians 3:13 “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Matthew 6:12 “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
Matthew 18:21 “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?”
vs. 22 “Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
To fully grasp the importance of this doctrine you need to read the verses following verse 22. It is imperative we forgive!
The example is right before us in the Bible, and forgiveness is an element of the most difficult circumstances. Betrayed, falsely tried, unjustly punished, mocked and ridiculed, yet Jesus sought their forgiveness.
Luke 23:43 “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
There are many ideas about these passages and their warnings, but for the moment, let us agree that God clearly says, FORGIVE! Whatever wrong one has endured, it cannot be as severe as the cross and all that went along with it. FORGIVNESS is as clear a part of Christian living as prayer and Bible reading.
If you struggle with forgiveness, here are a few suggestions that might help:
• Memorize passages dealing with forgiveness.
• Read Bible stories, such as the story of Joseph or of Jesus and how they suffered and forgave.
• Read Bible lessons on forgiveness as these mentioned above.
• Read missionary stories of those who suffered and continued to love and serve like Through the Gates of Splendor, about Jim Elliot; How I Know God Hears and Answers Prayer, by Rosalind Goforth; To the Golden Shore, by Adoniram Judson.
Stop reading or listening to those who help you justify your bitter heart.
These stories and their suffering dwarfs anything that we might have suffered, yet they forgave, served, and deeply loved those who hurt them.
Do not settle for a second-rate relationship to the Lord because of a heart of unforgiveness; go on the offensive and beat that sinful thinking.
There is more Bible on forgiveness than on liquor, yet many who would never take a drink of alcohol harbor bitterness and unforgiveness in their hearts. Get it right!
Pastor