Forgiveness

“For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins (Matthew 6:14-15).”

There has been a lot of animosity lately in politics and frustration all around with the Corona virus. As I myself have become frustrated with the circumstances, I have been reminded by God that I cannot allow it to make me angry and bitter. After all, as Christians we are to help bring the Kingdom of God here on earth, not anger and violence. Romans 14:17 reminds us that the Kingdom of God is “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” We need to walk in that peace that passes all understanding, the peace, and joy that comes from God. We must remember that “mercy triumphs over justice (James 2:13)” and that “love covers a multitude of sin (1 Peter 4:8).” We are commanded to love God, love others and love ourselves (Matthew 32:27-28). This unconditional love (1 Corinthians 13) requires us to forgive those who have harmed us and believe they can do better – we must show them the way, just as Jesus shows us!

We are commanded to forgive others, just as God forgave us (Matthew 6:14-15)! To forgive means to give up our need for punishment. We may still feel the hurt from the offense, but God will bring healing if we ask. It is for our own well-being. Forgiveness not only allows healing to take place (James 5:16 and Peter 2:21), but also allow us the grace and mercy to not reap the fruits of our own sins (Galatians 5:17-21 and Romans 5:16), By forgiving others, we are getting out from under the law (which requires justice and punishments for sin – including pour own) and walking in the grace of God, in the Holy Spirit.

New Testament Examples of Forgiveness:

• Lord’s Prayer – forgive us as we forgive others (Matt 6:12 & Luke 11:4)

• Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matt 18:21-35)

• Prodigal Son (Luke 15)

• Woman Taken in Adultery (John 8)

In this time of darkness, may we shine a light for others to see by walking in forgiveness and bringing out the good in others, finding and sharing joy with all we encounter!