FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness is a divine act that cannot be performed using worldly thinking. It is the incomprehensible nature of God. Therefore, we must have His mind and thought process as our guide. Living without God, forgiveness will never be attainable, possible, or demonstrated in our lives.

Forgiving others starts with seeing ourselves as recipients of God’s great forgiveness.

We must recognize how often we have sinned and turned our backs against Him. The countless times we’ve messed up; yet, when we repent, He still forgives us. The bible says that, “God loved us while we were yet sinners.” (Romans 5:8) God loved us, even when we didn’t love ourselves. He sent His only son to die for our MANY sins! Knowing and understanding this, how can we not love and forgive someone else for a trespass that they have done against us?  If God can forgive countless times and never hold it against us, can we be justified before Him possessing a heart with a lack of forgiveness towards someone else? Not forgiving someone but expecting God to forgive us is one of the most hypocritical things we could ever do. Lord, help us to forgive!

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others of their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

We forgive because we love God.

God has said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) God has commanded us to forgive, so if we love God, we will forgive. God is glorified when we show forth His nature. If we’re honest, forgiving someone can be very difficult at times. The spiritual inward challenge of forgiving when our emotions have been overcome with deep hurt, cuts to the core of our faith. Satan wants us to be deceived when this happens. He wants to deceive us into believing that it is HUMANLY IMPOSSIBLE to forgive this level of hurt and disappointment. Remember, forgiveness is not human, but divine. We need God’s help. Ask Him to help you. It is a complete surrendering of ourselves to God and the highest demonstration of our love and trust in Him. God never said following His commands would always be easy, but obeying them would be possible if we decide to deny ourselves and submit to His will.

Forgiveness and reconciliation is necessary to live a peaceful and fulfilling life.

It’s impossible to live on this earth and have healthy relationships and friendships without forgiveness. As a result, we must always seek to forgive no matter how painful the offense. Choosing not to forgive someone will do more damage and cause more pain in our lives than the pain the person caused who sinned against us. We should never allow our hearts to be used as a permanent resident for an unforgiving spirit. Shame on us as children of God if we do so. Someone who truly forgives is someone who understands that forgiveness does not have a “number of times” attached to it.

“Love keeps no record of wrong.” (1Corinthians 13:5)

We forgive even if it’s not asked for or reciprocated. Forgiveness is not situational. Our pool of forgiveness should be limitless for individuals. Even for those who may not deserve it. Our prayer should always be that we all come to repentance with God and then with one another, while keeping in the fore front of our minds, a contriteness that we don’t truly deserve God’s forgiveness.

Forgive always.

So, if the same person commits the same offense against you time and time again…CONTINUE TO FORGIVE! If a person did one of the most hurtful things you could ever imagine…STILL FORGIVE THEM! If a person never apologizes for any wrong that they have done toward you…FORGIVE, FORGIVE, FORGIVE! We must realize that forgiveness is more so for the person extending the forgiveness than it is for the person receiving forgiveness. When we forgive someone, it sets us free! Free from the chains that we have put on ourselves. It allows us to live in a way that’s joyful, peaceful, and loving! With God in your corner, there’s nothing you can’t forgive someone for! He’ll show you and teach you the true meaning of love and forgiveness. You just have to be willing to let him show you how it’s done! If you choose to forgive, you truly choose to live!

Be Encouraged.
Ashley Moneet
Fearless.Faithful.Following.