Forgiveness

Matthew 18: 21-22

21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

I wanted to start with this passage because I think that forgiveness is a huge part of Christianity, yet it is so often overlooked. True forgiveness is a challenging thing to practice. I believe it is also often misunderstood.

We are told that we should forgive others for their sins against us, so the Lord will forgive our sins against him. (Matthew 6: 14-15). Now that means that we have to truly forgive. Forgiveness today is more of an "I'll let it slide" type of forgiveness. People say they forgive, yet they hold anger, or hate in their heart over the situation that has occurred. That is not forgiveness. Would we want to stand before God knowing that we had asked for forgiveness for our sins, but thought that God still held malice towards us for our transgressions? Of course not. However that means that is how we should forgive those that ask for our forgiveness.

Now that does not mean we should be a doormat for people. Just as you must be remorseful when asking for forgiveness form the Lord, the people that ask for your forgiveness, must be remorseful. I think the most important thing is they have to ask. If someone wrongs you, and they are not remorseful for it, there is no need for forgiveness.....Perhaps that is not a good way of saying it......we have to forgive weather they ask or not. We have to give that forgiveness for our sake, not theirs. Resentment will eat you alive like a cancer. Maybe a better way to say it is that we should forgive, and then shake the dust from our sandals when it comes to dealing with those who are not remorseful. That does not mean that we should plot and plan to repay the wrong with more wrong. We should always remember to repay evil with good (Romans 12:20) that does not mean that we open the door to these people and let them back in to our lives with forgiveness.

To sum it up, we must practice true forgiveness. We must forgive people for their wrongs, as we want the Lord to forgive ours. Without forgiveness there is not much need to move forward.


Peace
Rev.T