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?

Popular posts from this blog

Having A Dream

On August 28, 1963, in Washington D. C., Dr. Martin Luther King addressed the crowd that gathered for the March On Washington For Jobs And Freedom in what became one of the most famous and impassioned speeches during the Civil Rights Era.  The treatise, often referred to as the “I Have A Dream” Speech, addressed King’s assessment of the way African-Americans had been treated and the mission he was on to promote civil equality.  Through the years many people have quoted Dr. King’s remarks and, this weekend, as our nation prepares to honor his memory, I would like share a few of my favorite excerpts:  “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.  I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.” … “I have a dre...
Read more

The Uncertainty Of Life

1958 was a challenging year in Cuba.  Revolutionary forces were active throughout the island nation while the ruling dictator, Fulgencio Batista, struggled to maintain control.  In spite of the underlying political tensions Havana continued to be the entertainment capital of the Caribbean.  Hotels, casinos and opulent shows were readily available just a few miles off of the southern coast of Florida.  New Year’s Eve 1958 probably began like many others – a night of celebration, entertainment and debauchery – but before the sun rose on the “Pearl of the Caribbean” the history of the Western Hemisphere was changed forever.  In the early morning hours of January 1, 1959 Batista fled Cuba and opened the door for Fidel Castro to come to power.  I am fascinated by the history of Cuba, especially the first three quarters of the 20 th Century; yet, this event is more than a historical fact, it also offers a spiritual warning:  Life Is Fluid.  It is ...
Read more

The Gospel Truth

During a recent Communion Service Scripture reading I was struck by a portion of John 19.  I am sure that I have read it scores of times, but this time it really got me to thinking.  When John recorded the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion he wrote, “ And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.” (John 19:35).   In the midst of making some incredible claims about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus John pauses to say, “believe me”!   As I got to thinking about the importance of this statement it reminded me that we all have to be honest with the gospel – not just John (whose words would transcend time) – but every one of us.   Even though we have the written Word available to us today, we must treat it with honesty and we must be transparently truthful when discussing it.   So, how do we make this happen? 1.   We must know what the Bible say...
Read more