Forgiving others!

Forgiveness does not mean we ignore the wrong done to us.  Forgiveness is not that we pretend that it did not happen.  It happened, and it did matter.  We were hurt, and we were wronged.  Otherwise, there would be nothing to forgive.  But forgiveness is a choice.  It does not change the facts.  It is looking hard at the facts and making a conscious decision of the moral will to set the hurt aside so that it does not come as a barrier between the people involved.  It is easy to say but far more challenging to do!  Today many families are broken because of unforgiveness!

Let us see what Jesus taught about forgiveness. 

When Peter asked Jesus how often one should forgive, Jesus said, "Seventy times seven"(Mt 18:22).  I believe it is not a literal number, but we are to forgive as many times as needed.  The importance Jesus placed on forgiveness can be seen from the Lord's prayer, "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" (Mt 6:12).  Conversely, we will receive forgiveness if we do not forgive others!  We grieve the Holy Spirit when we do not forgive (Ephesians 4:30-32).  If we need our prayers answered, we have to forgive.  Unforgiveness is a sin, giving a foothold for the devil to operate in our lives.  

If forgiving others is so essential, where can we find the strength to forgive?  At the Cross.  The Cross reminds us of the forgiveness we have received.  At the Cross, we remember that our debt against God was far greater than others' sins against us.  This is what Jesus explained through the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-35).   It is all about a man who has been forgiven an enormous debt being unwilling to forgive a small debt owed to him.  The shock of the story is that he was so unforgiving after receiving such mercy himself!   Jesus applied the story to His disciples in verse 35: "So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart." We have been forgiven much, and we have to be forgiving.  

My friend, yet we are like the unforgiving servant.  Forgiveness is not easy.  As children of God, we have to be the first to forgive.  Ask God to help you forgive those who have sinned against you today so that we can receive forgiveness!

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