As We Forgive Those

Forgiveness is something we struggle with.

One reason is that we have been conditioned from childhood to look out for ourselves.

For another, we have been taught not to let others take advantage of us.

There are without a doubt many more reasons and excuses we could cite.

When someone wrongs us our first response is not forgiveness.

We might be tempted to retaliate.

If we overcome that hurdle then the temptation to dwell upon it arises.

This is the temptation that we normally give into.

Dwelling upon the injustice accomplishes nothing.

It distracts us from what we could and should otherwise be doing.

It can even keep us awake at night as we replay the event over and over in our minds.

But that is not what Jesus wants for us.

Jesus tells us that we must forgive.

This is not an option nor is it just good advice.

When Jesus taught us to pray, He was very clear about this.

We are to pray "forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us".

That is from the Lord's Prayer and that is the way forgiveness works.

It is, in essence, a two way street.

If we wish to be forgiven, we must forgive others as well.

Yet forgiveness does not come easy to us because of our human nature and weakness.

That is why we have to rely on God's strength rather than our own.

When we do that then the task of forgiveness becomes much easier to accomplish.

Once we forgive, something truly remarkable happens.

We are liberated.

We cease to carry around a completely unnecessary burden that interferes with the kind of life He wants us to experience,

Think of your life as a ship and the unwillingness to forgive as an anchor.

While anchored, our lives are stagnant.

No progress is possible.

But true forgiveness is not merely the act of pulling up the anchor and taking it with you.

True forgiveness is severing the line and completely leaving the anchor behind.

We then have complete freedom to sail to the next destination He has planned for us.

Jesus told us more.

Matthew 5:7-8 (NET) - Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

When we truly forgive we are being merciful to others and have taken a big step in purifying our hearts.

The best part is that we do not have to do this alone.

We can ask for His help.


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The  Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 4, 2014.
I’ll be back here on Friday, July 11, 2014