FORGIVE(N)
Matthew 6:12 “And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us”
Forgiveness, a very touchy subject these days and a very difficult thing for many. It is astounding to me the lack of forgiveness, the grudge holding, and resentment that we see Christians have with others. But as you can see in the book of Matthew chapter 6, a very very familiar prayer, that our Lord has given us a specific model for our prayers….. and let’s be honest….. it is very clear Gods expectations of forgiveness. Now, as we come into our own personal relationship with our Lord we begin to understand forgiveness. We begin to experience that forgiveness, that unconditional love, that unrelenting grace. But as we grow in our relationship with the Lord, as we mature, it is vitally important that we have an understanding that the very forgiveness and grace that we extend to others is the very forgiveness and grace that will be extended to us. THAT should cause us to stop and pause a moment when we are quick to want to judge, hold a grudge, and be unforgiving! Our Lord is so gracious to us …..not judging us, not holding grudges against us, and always forgiving us! Shouldn’t we be as willing to extend the same to our brothers and sisters?? Verse 14 and 15 in chapter 6 says this…”If you forgive those who sin against you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you REFUSE to forgive others, Your father will not forgive your sins”. Whew, that’s very intense and very clear! So let’s look at it this way, in our personal relationship with the Lord there should be seeds of the Fruit of the Spirit deep within our souls. That is, Godly character and behavior that permeates; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control! As we mature as the children of God and grow in Godly behavior… Forgiveness should be one of the biggest distinguishing earmarks of a Christian!!! So, understanding what God expects of us as His children, let’s remember as we FORGIVE….. we are FORGIVE(N)!! Selah
