Things Christians Find hard to Do. Forgiveness, part 1
Forgiveness is a good idea until there’s someone to Forgive!
It’s then you realise that the Theory or Teaching of Forgiveness is much easier to listen to than put into Practice.
When someone has hurt you, insulted you, offend you, disappointed you, lied to you or perhaps, raped you, abused you, killed some close to you, divorced you Forgiveness becomes a HARD thing to do. (Matt 5:11, 1Pet 2:23)
Yet Bible is very simple in its approach to forgiveness saying; Mark 11:25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
In pastoral Care, I hear stories of betrayal etc
I often hear stories of people who have allowed an offence often something small to grow in them & control them, they become bound by bitterness, trapped in anger and imprisoned by revenge. (1Pet 3:9)
Yet with the Bible’s simple approach, however, small or massive the offence the ONLY way of Release/Freedom is Forgiveness. (1John 1:9)
Just as we were once bound by Sin, when God Forgave us we were Free. (Eph 1:7)As the words of the following hymn remind us.
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
Forgiveness is unnatural because of Sin in the world so we need supernatural strength to Forgiveness
The Bible is often very simple and strait forward about Forgiveness. I believe this is because God’s nature is love, grace, mercy and when God is asked to Forgiven it just happens.
When these qualities (love, grace, mercy) are at the core of our being, forgiveness is not something you don’t need to think about, it’s natural because of the supernatural touch/presence of God in your life.
Forgiveness is not a gift we seek or ask for. Forgiveness is result of being with Him, being Like Him and Living for Him, His Nature Rub off on You.
Forgiveness is Amazing because it is so unnatural in the world today
Forgiveness is something that Amazes the World’s Media.
Joseph’s brother amazed at his Forgiveness.
Jesus’ Critics amazed and angered that he said Your Sins are Forgiven. (Lk 5:20)
Jesus stunned crowd when said “you without sin cast the first Stone.” (Jh 8:7)
It should Amaze us over and over that “Jesus came to Rub it (SIN) out not Rub it” In” J John (1Jh 3:5)
Forgiveness is the Bridge between us and God.
When God Forgives our Sin became Water under the bridge, thus allowing us to cross over unhindered by sin. However, under the bridge is a “ugly troll” that constantly wants to obstruct you crossing over.
I will Talk in later weeks about the real battle to Forgive, (offender goes every where with You) reality of reconciliation, (may never be best friends again) and how to really Forgive someone.
Finally Forgiveness is Good For You.
When God Forgives you, he released you, You can stand before God as if you had never Sinned, Enter his Presence, Partake of His Blessing because he has forgive you.
When you Forgiveness others, it release them from being the object of your anger, bitterness or grudge. (Col 2:13, 1Jh 1:9)
Good For You because it also Releases you from carrying the hurt, reliving the pain and staying at the sore point in life.
Forgiveness is to “let go, to cancel a debt”
Do need to Forgiveness this morning? Forgiveness is hard, its not natural, but it is so good for you.
As is often said DON’T CARRY IT, BURY IT and Don’t Dig it Up again Let Rot in the ground the place of death.
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