Gift #2 Forgiveness

 

 

      I hope you are having a great day today.  I started a new series of blogs with my last post, about some of my favorite gifts from God.  The first gift that I mentioned was “The gift of The Assurance of Heaven.”  I hope that it was a good reminder to you that if you are trusting in Jesus, then you can be absolutely sure that you will go to heaven when you die!  A loving and intelligent God (which He is), would never want you to be guessing where you were going to spend eternity!  I am thankful for the Bible which shows us the heart and the words of Jesus which remind us in John 14:3 “I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (KJV)

      The next gift that I would like to talk about is another completely wonderful, awesome gift!  It is the gift of forgiveness from God that you experience when you first become a Christian and is a vital part of our ongoing relationship with the Lord and with others. Forgiveness is a profound and transformative gift bestowed upon us in the Bible. It is a concept that holds immense power and has the potential to bring healing, restoration, and freedom to our lives. The act of forgiving others, as well as receiving forgiveness, lies at the core of Christian teachings and holds a significant place in the heart of believers.

Receiving forgiveness from God.

  When we confess our sins and ask God for forgiveness, we experience His abundant grace and mercy. One of my favorite verses on forgiveness is in First John.  The apostle reassures us, saying, "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). Through forgiveness, we find restoration and a renewed relationship with God.

   We should understand the wonderful forgiveness of God, but we should not take advantage of it.  I was reading one day in Matthew 18 and saw something a little different.  Peter was asking Jesus how often he should forgive some who has sinned against him, and Jesus said the famous statement in verse 22 “not seven times, but seventy times seven.”  I heard that commentators think that this (490) is for the same offense, on the same day!  What I thought about that day was the reason why Jesus was asking us to not put a limit on our forgiveness – is because He does not put a limit on forgiving us.  Even if you have asked God for forgiveness many times for the same thing – you can be sure that He will continue to forgive.  That is a wonderful truth.

   The verse that I think about to keep God’s forgiveness in balance is in Romans 6.  The entire chapter is a good one to read about this subject.  Here is the first three verses.

“Well then, shall we keep on sinning so that God can keep on showing us more and more kindness and forgiveness?  Of course not! Should we keep on sinning when we don’t have to? For sin’s power over us was broken when we became Christians and were baptized to become a part of Jesus Christ; through his death the power of your sinful nature was shattered. Your old sin-loving nature was buried with him by baptism when he died; and when God the Father, with glorious power, brought him back to life again, you were given his wonderful new life to enjoy.”

(Romans 6:1-3 Living Bible)

Passing God’s forgiveness onto Others

   In the Bible, forgiveness is not just a mere suggestion or a nice gesture; it is a commandment from God Himself. Jesus, during His earthly ministry, taught His disciples and followers the importance of forgiveness through His words and actions. He emphasized the need to forgive others, just as God forgives us.  One of the most well-known verses on forgiveness is found in the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus says, "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). This simple yet powerful statement highlights the interconnectedness of our forgiveness from God and our forgiveness of others. We are called to extend the same grace and mercy we have received to those who have wronged us.

   The act of forgiveness is not always easy. It requires humility, love, and a willingness to let go of bitterness and resentment. It is a choice to release the burden of anger and to embrace the transformative power of God's love. Forgiveness does not justify or condone the wrongdoing of others, but rather seeks to reconcile and restore broken relationships.

   In the biblical narrative, we find countless examples of forgiveness that illustrate its transformative power. One of these is the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Despite the son's rebellion and squandering of his inheritance, his father eagerly forgives him, welcomes him back with open arms, and celebrates his return. This parable beautifully portrays the unconditional love and forgiveness that God offers to each one of us, regardless of our past mistakes.

 

   Another powerful example is found in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As He hung on the cross, Jesus forgave those who crucified Him, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). This act of forgiveness in the face of extreme suffering and injustice demonstrates the depth of God's love and His desire for reconciliation and redemption.

   Furthermore, forgiveness has tremendous personal benefits. Holding onto grudges and refusing to forgive can lead to bitterness, resentment, and emotional turmoil. But when we choose to forgive, we experience freedom from the weight of anger and hurt. Forgiveness allows us to break free from the chains of the past and move forward with a heart filled with compassion and love.

   However, forgiveness is a journey that often requires time, prayer, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It may involve seeking counseling or guidance from wise and trusted individuals who can help us navigate the complexities of forgiveness.

   In conclusion, the biblical gift of forgiveness is a transformative force that brings healing, restoration, and freedom. It is a commandment from God, rooted in His unconditional love for us. By receiving God's forgiveness and extending forgiveness to others and, we participate in the divine work of reconciliation and experience the abundant life that Christ offers. May we embrace this gift and allow forgiveness to shape our lives, relationships, and communities.

Written by Lee Malden 2023

For more information: email lmalden@hotmail.com

These are my thoughts today, what do you think?  Please leave me a response or email me and I would be happy to hear your thoughts.