Forgiveness, part 2

Click Here if you missed part one.

Last time, we read examples of people in the Bible who forgave horrible wrongs committed against them. Today we will see what the Word tells the Believer about forgiveness.

Unforgiveness hinders our prayers. We are told in the book of Mark to let go of wrongs done to us and forgive before we pray.

Mark 11:25 – And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive them and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in Heaven may also forgive you your own failings and shortcomings and let them drop.

Unforgiveness will cost us more than we realize.

Matthew 6:14-15 – For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.

These are pretty scary words. You would think this would be enough to make us forgive…

Luke 6:37b – Acquit and forgive and release (give up resentment, let it drop), and you will be acquitted and forgiven and released.

This is classic sewing and reaping. Forgive, and be forgiven. You give, you get.

Ephesians 4:31-32 – Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath and resentment and quarreling and slander be banished from you. And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another readily and freely, as God in Christ forgave you.

Colossians 3:13 – Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has freely forgiven you, so you must also forgive.

It is very clear that we must remember…we have been forgiven many sins. It is very clear that we must forgive others who have wronged us in any way. It is very clear that if we do not forgive…we will not be forgiven. This is a very important thing to keep in mind. We cannot walk around thinking that we will stroll into Heaven when we’ve harbored unforgiveness in our hearts. These are not my words…They are Scripture. They are words from God to you and me.

We must let it go. Just forgive. It may be hard. You may be right to be angry. They may have been completely wrong. It doesn’t matter. You have been forgiven. I have been forgiven. We must forgive. No matter what and no matter how many times the person has wronged us.

Read Matthew 18:21-35. It is very clear on forgiveness. You may have read or heard it before…but it is definitely worth reading again…frequently…lest we forget.

I urge you to search deep in your heart. Pray. Be sure that you have let go of all wrongs done to you. Let go of all animosity. Let go of all anger and hostility. No matter how big the wrong. No matter how wrong they were. Release it.

FORGIVE! and FORGET IT!

Let’s pray,

Daddy God, thank You for freely forgiving me all of my sins. Thank You for letting them go and never remembering them again. Father, please help me to release all anger and unforgiveness from my heart. Please help me make peace and let go. Father, help me to never forget what I have learned today. Thank You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen

In His Love and Service,

Lara ;)

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved