Word For The Day: Choose To Forgive
We all need forgiveness!
Christian, rejoice this morning, we have been forgiven! Forgiveness has freely been given to us by God through Jesus! I hope you will take the time to look up these Scriptures on the subject!
WE NEED FORGIVENESS & WE HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN IN CHRIST!
Is. 55:7; Ps. 32; I Jn 1:7-10; I Jn 2:12; I Cor. 6:9-11; Eph. 1:7; Rom.4:7; Ps. 86:5; 103:12; 130:3,4.
What are the implications? Because you have been forgiven by Christ:
1. You should forgive others (Mt. 6:12-15; 18:15, 21-35; Luke 23:34).
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
2. You should take the initiative and seek forgiveness when you offend others.
Matt. 5:23,24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
Unforgiveness is Satan’s trap for causing many spiritual problems (2 Cor. 2:7-11; Heb. 12:15). Most people have been hurt at one time or another, but holding a grudge only hurts you. Many physical and emotional problems are caused by the bitterness of unforgiveness!
We must choose to forgive
Forgiveness is an act of mercy and grace toward the person who offended you. This forgiveness is offered even though the other person does not deserve it and despite feelings to the contrary. Forgiving is not forgetting, but God brings emotional healing over time as we continue to live in a spirit of forgiveness.
Every Christian must assume total responsibility for their attitudes. We must see this matter of forgiving another as an opportunity for obedience, growth, and victory in our lives!
So how can we obediently practice this grace of forgiveness? Here are some practical things we can do:
- Thank God for His forgiveness for your own sins.
- Ask God to forgive you for your bitterness/unforgiveness.
- Make a list of the things this offending person has done or said to you.
- Try to communicate with the offender in person, by phone or by letter (whichever is appropriate). Deliberately and prayerfully choose to forgive each of the things on the list.
- Burn your list!
- Thank God for the freedom from this bondage of bitterness.
- If Satan ever brings the matter to your mind again, remind him of what you have just done!
Forgiveness is a choice I make to free the other person from the debt they owe because of their sin toward me. It is to entrust justice to a righteous God. Forgiveness is motivated by my love for God that moves me to obey Him and forgive the person who offended me.
Choose to forgive others for Christ’s sake, and you will experience peace!
Pastor Phil