“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15 NIV
Always trust in the red ink. If Jesus said it, it’s unquestionably right. Over and over again during his ministry, our Lord emphasized forgiveness so it must be an important part of our journey.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 NIV
It is so very hard to forgive sometimes. But if we forsake one who sins against us, our focus is not on God, and we risk knocking the repentant one who sinned against us off track. Thus the enemy takes two believers off Gods path!
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV
Jesus knows how hard it is to forgive, but he’s only asking us to do for others what he has done for us. He set the standard when he offered us unconditional love and forgiveness.
How many times must we forgive?
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times”. Matthew 18:21-22 NIV
We have not endured anything close to what Jesus endured when securing our salvation! Listen to his heart of compassion when on the cross.
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:32-34 NIV
The word of our Lord always calls for forgiveness. He emphasizes it over and over again, There is no limit to how many times we must forgive. We have all been hurt by someone, but none of us have suffered like Jesus.
God says this through the prophet Isaiah:
“But you have burdened me with your sins and wearied me with your offenses. “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” Isaiah 43:24-25 NIV
When we forgive others, we are reflecting the perfect love of God. We forgive out of commitment to Him., the only One who deserves it; for all He’s done for us.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15 NIV
Love and always forgive one another!
Barnabas
Special thanks to Barnabas for this guest submission.