The importance of forgiveness in the life of a Christian

Then Jesus said, Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. And they divided up His garments by casting lots. Luke 23:24.

Forgiveness! Such a simple word but a difficult action to execute. Why do we find it difficult to forgive others? Because we cannot do it by our own strength, we need God. Our flesh/ carnal nature desires to hurt those who hurt us.

So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times comes back to you saying ‘I repent’ you must forgive them. Luke 17:3-4.

We are instructed to forgive just as the Lord has forgiven us.

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.

We have been forgiven freely and therefore we are to extend the same to those who hurt us. Forgiveness frees us and restores our relationship with God.

And when you stand in praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25.

We are no longer prisoners to sin.

But the scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ, the promise might be given to those who believe. Galatians 3:22.

A bitter and angry heart cannot worship God.

Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will it not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it. Genesis 4:6-7.

Unforgiveness holds us captive and gives root to bitterness and desire to avenge.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32.

Forgiveness does not mean condoning wrongs, it means not allowing other people’s actions to define us. It means freeing ourselves from people bondage.

I said to myself, ‘God will bring into judgement both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed. Ecclesiastes 3:17.

We should also learn to accept God’s gift of forgiveness in our lives for any mistakes we have made, for it frees us from all guilt and shame.

I, even I, Am He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence. Isaiah 43:25-26.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Acts 3:19.

Christ does not condemn us, once forgiven our sins are remembered no more.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalms 103:12.

Why then do we condemn ourselves? God calls us to repentance and leads us to salvation. Nothing is too hard for God. He does not want anyone to perish.

Is there anything too hard for the Lord. Genesis 18:14.

The devil wants us to dwell on the hurt and on unforgiveness so that sin may take root in our hearts, he wants us to lose faith, he wants to drive us into hopelessness, his aim is to deceive and destroy us. But there is hope in Jesus. Jesus Christ is the way to life.

Then you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free. John 8:32.

God turns what the enemy meant for bad and uses it for our good and for His glory.

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called the trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3.

God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Knowing these truths then, we can have peace and joy in the midst of our struggles for we know who we are in Christ Jesus.

So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God. Galatians 4:7.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7.

Blessings.

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