Facts About Forgiveness

When Jesus was teaching His disciples how to pray He included some instruction about seeking forgiveness; then seemed to divert from the task at hand to offer an explanation by saying, ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’  For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” (Matthew 6:12-15).  Have we given much thought to the concept of forgiveness?  We know that we need it, we have faith that it is available to us and we comprehend the price that was paid to offer it, but what are the practical aspects of this godly gift?  Much has already been written about forgiveness, so here are a few simple things we must understand to embrace it in our lives:
1.  We must seek forgiveness from God.  One of the most fundamental principles of the Bible is that each one of us has chosen to sin against God and that alienates us from Him.  We must find a way to reconcile that situation.  No, we cannot fix it ourselves, but if we appeal to God’s holy nature by following His guidance we can experience forgiveness (I John 1:9). 
2.  We should learn to forgive ourselves.   This may seem a bit self-serving, but the point that needs to be made  is that forgiveness requires an acknowledgement of our sinful ways and a commitment to be reconciled with God.  Ignoring the sin in our lives is not the same thing as forgiving ourselves.  Forgiving ourselves relies upon the mercy of God while acknowledging our culpability. 
3.  We must practice the forgiveness of others.  Jesus makes the point that our forgiveness is conditional – we must be willing to extend the same blessing to others.   We offer forgiveness freely and liberally to others because we understand that is how God (our Father and forgiver) operates with us.  We cannot expect the Pure and Perfect God to forgive us if we will not forgive others.  If we choose to withhold forgiveness, it isn’t “them” we are hurting … “we” are the ones who pay the ultimate price.
4.  We must seek forgiveness from others.  Earlier in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus had instructed His disciples that if they were worshipping and remembered that they had sinned against someone they should interrupt their worship and make things right with their offended neighbor (Matthew 5:23-24).  Yes, seeking forgiveness is that important!  Anyone can have a superficial and selfish association with others, but godly people take their personal relationships seriously.  We have to be willing to admit when we are wrong and do everything within our power to make things right.
Do we believe in forgiveness?  Do we need to offer it or request it?

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