FORGIVENESS
Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you.
Forgiveness is essentially the act of pardoning an offender. “Forgiveness” literally means “to let go”.
Unselfish love is the basis for true forgiveness, since “it keeps no record of wrongs”.
(1 Corinthians 13:5)
Forgiving others means letting go of resentment and giving up any claim to be compensated for the hurt or loss we have suffered.
The Christian life is all about forgiveness. It begins with receiving God’s forgiveness through faith in Jesus and his death on the cross; it continues as we then live in that forgiveness, receiving it daily from our heavenly Father and sharing it freely with others. We are called to forgive others; and if we do not, then it is doubtful that we have really understood how very much God has forgiven us. Jesus also knew that humans are natural sinners, and that for God to forgive our sins, Jesus would have to die for us. But even as he was being tortured and murdered, he asked for God’s forgiveness of the soldiers: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
Here Jesus demonstrates the ultimate forgiveness, appealing for those who have hurt him in the worst way.
Humans really struggle with forgiving those who hurt us, even if it’s only with unkind words. Could each of us imagine forgiving our own killers? Okay, so we’re not Christ, but we’re called by God to forgive, and to forgive all those who sin against us.
God wants us to offer significant acts of kindness to those who don’t deserve it.
“Forgiveness is a command, not an option.”
Colossians 3:13 “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Forgiveness is necessary for our own health and our relationship with God. Jesus gave us the perfect example of forgiveness. Forgiveness doesn’t mean we say that the hurt doesn’t exist or that it doesn’t matter, nor does it make everything “all right.” Rather, it allows us to let go of the hurt and let God deal with the one who hurt you. Forgiveness sets us free and allows us to move on with our life. It’s not always easy, but forgiving others who have caused us hurt is the healthiest act you can do for yourself.
God wants us to practice forgiveness so that we can have a greater capacity to live for Jesus. Forgiveness is a choice and a commitment to reflect God’s love to others.
If we are interested in that prayer being answered, forgive!
Until we let go of what is behind, we can’t lay hold of what is ahead.
On a daily basis we must ask God for the grace to forgive anyone who has offended us.
Refuse to live in bitterness; release offenders from the prison of our heart.
PRAYER:
Lord, I ask for the grace to forgive those who have offended me. And I make demands on all-round fruitfulness in my life, Lord in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
SOL. FIONA, AOJ