Forgiveness
Ultimate Forgiveness: Christ Jesus is the ultimate example of forgiveness. He was innocent and without sin, yet He went to the cross at Calvary and paid the price for the sins of all mankind. He purchased our redemption with His blood and in Him, we have new life. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” — Ephesians 1:7. We are not saved by our own good works but by the shed blood of Jesus. When Jesus walked on this Earth He set the example for us to follow; He forgave all who came unto Him, even those who crucified Him. “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34. No matter if a person was a thief or an adulterer Jesus forgave them and taught others to forgive them as well. “Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came unto Him; and He sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto Him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto Him, ‘Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest Thou?’ This they said, tempting Him, that they might have to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground, as though He heard them not. So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, ‘He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.’ And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up Himself, and saw none but the woman, He said unto her, ‘Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?’ She said, ‘No man, Lord.’ And Jesus said unto her, ‘Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.’” — John 8:1–11. The instinct of mankind is to hold to account and punish others without mercy. Yet God’s ways are not like our ways. He deals with us mercifully and at the same time fairly. If we do not seek His forgiveness and go on sinning we will be reproved and face punishment. “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.” — Psalm 103:10–14. If we do not fear God nor the consequences of sin then we open ourselves up to judgment. “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; Who put darkness for light and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” — Isaiah 5:20. God is a just judge and is not mocked. If we continue to do evil thinking that it is acceptable in the eyes of God we will be shown our error. “As I live, says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?” — Ezekiel 33:11.
Unforgiveness: One of the biggest blockades in people’s lives is the fact that they hold on to anger and resentment towards others who have hurt them in some way or another. It poisons their mind, heart, spirit and soul. It keeps them from moving on in life and opens a person up to judgment. “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 6:14–15. Holding onto anger against someone can cause major issues in your life. It can lead to depression, anxiety, hatred and loneliness. If you live judgmentally and expect everyone to be perfect, then that same measurement will be the standard by which you are judged by God. “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you.” — Luke 6:37. God is a loving God and wants us to love and forgive others just as He does. As humans, we tend to hold grudges against others and live for years in unforgiveness. This is a tragedy and not the way of a Christian. Unforgiveness will rob you of your peace and keep you from moving forward in life. So, if you feel that you are spinning your wheels and not making progress or that it seems like your relationship with God is not right, check yourself and see if there is any unforgiveness in your heart. If there is, release it. Forgive as He has forgiven you and you will see the blockages in your life disappear. You will see that you are on a fast track to success because the weight of judgment has been lifted and you are free to accomplish what God has set you on this Earth to do. You will experience your relationships being restored, old wounds healed, health and energy replenished, and sound sleep at night. Joy and peace will return in abundance and the dark clouds will vanish. Forgiveness is the key.
In Him,
Tim and Will