Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a commandment for every believer.  It is so important that we don’t hold any grudges or allow a bitter root to grow up within us.  Please read Hebrews 12:15, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”

I know this is very hard for many people who have been through so much more than I have, so I don’t take this lightly.  Personally I don’t think true forgiveness is possible without the Lord’s help.  I also believe this, that all things are possible with God!!  With the sin nature we were born with, our first reaction to people who wrong us or take advantage of us is normally to take revenge on them.  I think about road rage and how some people are so impatient and intolerant of others.  Then there are people that get so angry at things that seem so small and insignificant and petty but they stubbornly hold on to these things because of their pride and in the end wind up bitter and very negative people.  Pride can be a terrible master if we allow it to be.

Jesus made it very clear that we need to forgive in Mark 11:25, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

I can’t give you any better example of forgiveness than this; Jesus Himself.  Please read Luke 23:32-43, “And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, and saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, This Is The King Of The Jews. And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

Jesus not only forgave those who were crucifying Him and those who had a part in it, but He also forgave the malefactor that was being crucified with Him that said, “Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom.  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

I can give you other examples of forgiveness but none will ever top what Jesus did!!  If you are a believer, please ask the Lord to help you to forgive and to love the person or persons that hurt you.  If you are not a believer and you feel the Lord drawing you, please turn from your sins (Repent) and ask the Lord to forgive you and to be your Lord and Savior and let Him fill you with His perfect peace, love and joy.  Then find a Bible believing church and start growing in you newfound faith!!  And don’t forget to share what the good Lord has done in your life with someone!!  May the good Lord bless you and yours and may you have a super day!!  I hope this Tidbit has been an encouragement and a blessing to you!!