Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
– Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do,” Jesus spoke these words on the cross. (Luke 23:34) He was falsely accused, unjustly beaten, humiliated, and condemned to death. Yet, he spoke these words. He didn’t have to do it; nevertheless, he did.
He loved us greatly and deeply. He still intercedes on our behalf.
One of the hardest things to do is forgive. However, it is one of the things God required if we want to be forgiven. Forgiving doesn’t mean we condone the sin or the offense. It means we are willing to look beyond it. Forgiving is hard because it’s a process. It’s a process of leaning on Christ; a process of healing emotionally and becoming stronger spiritually. Does the pain remain? Yes. However, through time, God heals us.
Do we forget? Not always; however our future is greater than our past. In our Christian walk, unforgiveness is a dangerous stumbling block. When we walk in unforgiveness, there’s no love, no trust, and no mercy. It can make us sick spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
There is freedom in forgiving. Forgiving frees us from the bondage to a person, an experience, or ourselves. To forgive is one of the core characteristics of love. Love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8) Love melts away the hardest hearts and restores people. (Galatians 6:1)
The Father commanded that we love one another. We do that by forgiving. It’s not impossible to forgive because with God all things are possible. Our past may be clear; however, our future is brighter and more fulfilling. Let’s forgive. May God strengthen and bless you.
Yours in Christ,
Dr. Barbara Kile Mathews, Pastor
May God Bless You!
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