LEARNING TO FORGIVE

Part 2

 

Christ has set us free from the guilt of sin.  He has forgiven us of our past sin, and He keeps on forgiving us from our present sins.  (If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness)

As Christians we are supposed to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven us.

Forgiveness is not a choice.  The Bible says, “For, if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly will also forgive you. But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

What do you need to remember concerning forgiveness?

1.   Forgiving is an act of the will.  It is not an emotion.

2.   Forgiving is a command.  We are not to forgive only if or when we feel like it.

3.   Forgiving will not automatically mean forgetting.  There are scars from your hurts.  Learn from them.  Paul says, “but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth, unto those things which are before.”

4.   Forgiving should be personal.  This can be expressed by going to that person or by showing love as a result of forgiveness.

5.   Forgiveness does not let the offender off the hook with God.  Everyone will have to stand before the Lord at the Judgment Seat of Christ, for Christians, or at the Great White Throne, for unbelievers.

6.   Forgiveness is to come from the heart.  If you are having a difficult time forgiving, spend some time looking at God’s forgiveness concerning you and your sins.

Injuring your enemy puts you beneath them.

Getting revenge makes you even with them.

Forgiving sets you above them.

Pray this prayer with sincerity:

Father, help me to able to forgive others and most of all help me to forgive myself. I pray as Jesus would pray, forgive them for they know not what they do. I know that forgiving doesn’t mean I will forget, but it will set me free from guilt, sin and shame.  In Jesus’ name.  

Luke 23:24/  Philippians 4:13  Matthew 6:12,14,15  1 John 1:9 / Ephesians 4:32

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.