FORGIVENESS
Jesus said, If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:23 NIV)
Jesus taught us to pray “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” (Luke 11:4 NLT) Now, can we honestly say we want God to forgive our sins in the same way that we have forgiven others who sinned against us? Think about that for a moment! “Do I want God to forgive me my sins in the same way that I have forgiven others who have sinned against me?” Whoa! This should make us stop and think about what we are saying each time we pray this prayer that Jesus taught us.
The Bible tells us in Colossians 3:12-13 (NLT),
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. (Joanna Weaver) Unforgiveness leads to anger and bitterness. Refuse to hold grudges. You really don’t want to drink its poison or hope the person who hurt you will die. Today the Lord Jesus is inviting you to come and have your sins forgiven. He will purify your heart and make you whole. Why not come to Him today and get rid of all the poison that is causing pain in your life? When your sins are forgiven and you are made whole, you are then healthy enough to offer the same forgiveness to those who have hurt you. Forgiveness will bring life to your body, mind and spirit. Why not try its cleansing power?
Jesus said, “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. (John 15:9-12 NLT)
Do you want to be filled with joy today? Obey the commandments of Jesus and remain in His love. As you live in His love you will become willing to forgive others just as you have been forgiven. Great joy and peace will be yours. Why not put it to the test today?
©2014 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ www.partnersinhope.ca resources
Recent Meditations
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.