Forgiveness...

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things I have witnessed within the Christian Community and yet, we are commanded to forgive as we have been forgiven. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, He taught them, “Forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors.” …throughout scripture we see this principal of forgiveness plays a vital role in our spiritual growth and within our relationships with one another. Still, every one of us have experienced and struggled with being offended and upset. We have been hurt by a friend, or someone we trusted. Unforgiveness can range from a small offense through words spoken or as big as the betrayal of a close friend or someone within leadership of a church. Whatever the reason there is no excuse to harbor unforgiveness toward anyone. Colossians 3:13 “Therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering. Bearing with one another, and FORGIVING one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on LOVE, which is the bond of perfection." The Apostle Paul knew this principle. A self-righteous Pharisees, a murderer of Christians. He knew He was the chief of all sinners. He knew he was forgiven. With forgiveness comes the ability to love. God so loved He gave and in His giving, He forgave the sins of the world. Your sin and my sin, forgiven. He first loved us that we could in return love Him. And in loving Him we to must love one another and forgive one another. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The principle of forgiveness is “The Way” and “The Truth” and the “The Life” that we as Christians and followers of Jesus Christ must live. It is a choice. The only feeling that comes with forgiveness is love. If we love God we must choose to forgive as we have been forgiven. The act of forgiveness is obedience and a desire for God’s will to be done. In the Words of our Savior, “Let Thy kingdom come, let Thy will be done” …” Not My Will, but Thy will be done” ...” Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” Forgiveness is not complicated. It’s not too hard. Unless, we expect an emotional satisfaction and response from the person or situation that has brought you to the place of unforgiveness. You might walk away disappointed with more bitterness in your heart, and never know the freedom that comes through forgiveness. We must be willing to let God examine our hearts to see if there is any wicked way, and yes, unforgiveness is a wicked way to live your live. “Search me, O God, and know my heart, try me, and know my anxieties: and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” A prayer of Kings David’s that we should all adapt as a daily prayer for lives. Recently I came face to face with someone who still holds unforgiveness in their heart toward me. I could see it. I could feel it. But what bothered me the most, I could tell they were in bondage to the unforgiveness. When we live in unforgiveness we will see through the eyes of unforgiveness. The devil will hold us captive at his will through our unforgiveness. It is upsetting to know that it is for freedom that Christ set us free, and we are not free. I ask. I challenge all of us today. Will you put on tender mercies? Will you show kindness with humility, meekness and longsuffering? Will you bear one another’s burdens? Will you FORGIVE one another as Christ has forgiven us? Will you, above all, put on love? Love is the bond that will keep us and bring us to perfection. Forgiveness is not taught. Forgiveness is a choice. Forgiveness has everything to do with, “Not my will, but Thy will be done.” Amen. Live in Forgiveness! Live in Freedom!