Why Is Forgiveness the Attribute Of The Strong ?
God created us to live in peace and harmony with everyone. But sin came into the world, through Adam and Eve, and so did a sin called unforgiveness. It is the root cause of bitterness, anger, contempt and unhappiness, pride, and ego.
Unforgiveness is a hindrance to love – the love of God and love of fellow human beings. Forgiveness removes pain and grudge from your heart. You become happier and are at peace and that is how the Lord desires you to be. When your heart is pure, the Lord can find a place in it and fill it with love. Love is always associated with forgiveness.
The Fundamental Teaching of Christ
Forgiving others is one of the most fundamental and important teachings of Christ and a very dominant theme in the Bible. Christ is the epitome of forgiveness, by dying on the cross and forgiving us our sins and making it possible for us to have eternal life.
Jesus taught that forgiveness is the core relationship between God and humans and between human beings themselves. God forgives our sins, so we should forgive others. Jesus makes it very clear that we can not get forgiveness without giving forgiveness.
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins” Mathew 6: 14-15.
These words allow no room for doubt or discussion.
Throughout Christ’s teachings in this world, the subject of forgiveness is touched upon so many times. In the Lord’s Prayer, The parables, through the apostles, and so on.
The Lords Prayer
The most important prayer in Christianity, The Lords Prayer, taught by Christ Himself, instructs us to beseech our Heavenly Father in heaven, “Forgive us this day our sins, as we forgive the sins of others” – Matthew 6:12.
Thus, it is the responsibility of humanity to forgive each other’s sins however big or small it is.
The Parables
Christ spoke about unforgiveness, in the form of allegories during his life on earth.
1.The parable of the prodigal son is perhaps the most well-known parable about forgiveness. The father forgives the prodigal son, who left home, squandered away the wealth, repents, and returns home. The father refers to God’s forgiveness to those who regret their sins.
2. The parable of the unforgiving servant.In this parable, a king forgives an enormously large debt of one of his servants. Later, however, that same servant refuses to forgive the small debt of another man. The king hears about this and revoked his prior forgiveness. Jesus concludes by saying, “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart” (Matthew 18:35).
3. After the parable of the unforgiving servant, Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21–22 (NKJV)
Yes, seventy times seven! We have to continue forgiving. Hence, forgiveness is not an one-time action.
We all have been hurt many times in our lives. We have an option. We either keep replaying the wounds over and over again in our heads and let bitterness set in or we simply choose to forgive and have peace. Leave them in the past, as that is in obedience to God.
Is forgiving others a choice we make?
Yes, indeed it is! A conscious choice, an intended choice, a deliberate choice, and a necessary choice. It is a choice of obeying Christ.
Forgiveness should not be an option to a Christian, rather one should forgive to be a Christian. Christianity is about Christ, Christ is about redemption and redemption is about forgiveness of sins. It’s simple, isn’t it?
Does Satan have a role in unforgiveness?
Absolutely! Your enemy the Satan, does not want you to forgive. He wants you to be bitter, resentful, and angry. Don’t give in to the devil. Always remember that Satan is using the person who offended you to take you down! Be strong. Don’t give in to Satan’s temptation.
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.“Ephesians 4: 26-27
Apostle Paul tells ‘ Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.’ 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
The Bible also warns us to: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” -1 Peter 5:8
So there u have it! Beware of Satans cunning deceitful schemes.
Will our prayers be heard if we have unforgiveness in our hearts?
No. Certainly not. The Bible is very clear about it!
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Matthew 5:23–24 (NIV)
” Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.“Matthew 5:7
If you want God to hear your prayers, then let go of the anger, bitterness, pride ego, and unforgiveness.
What if we are unable to forgive or it is just impossible to forgive?
That’s not an excuse! That’s the self-centered, egocentric attitude.
Christ says: “ But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you“. Mark 11:25 (NIV)
God can restore any relationship. Go on your knees to God and allow Him to touch your heart, pray that the thoughts of hatred do not control your heart. There is no other alternative than to go to God to find help and comfort instead of dwelling on the past.
” I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27
The ultimate example of forgiveness is, when Christ was nailed to the cross, He asks God to forgive his tormentors, “Father forgive them; they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34.
“If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14,15)
You can’t have it both ways. If you want God’s forgiveness, you must learn to forgive others.
What if we have negative thoughts of wishing ill or taking revenge on those who have wronged us?
” Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord in Romans 12:19.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.“
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”. Romans 12:20-21
God will handle those who have wronged us, for He does not let the guilty go unpunished.
Unforgiveness only hurts you in the end.
” He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.” Proverbs 14:29
” Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4: 32
Forgiveness is God’s priority to you AND through you. Forgiveness is a huge blessing to those who accept it and those who give it.
Jesus is the reason we forgive. Jesus is the reason we don’t want to hold on to grudges.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, please touch and soften my heart that I may forgive others as you have forgiven me. Give me a heart that sees only the good in others and be in peace and harmony with others as you have taught me. Guide me in all my ways and thoughts, I ask in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
Did this condensed topic ‘Forgiveness’ help you to understand the concept? Did I miss out on anything important? Please do leave your comments below.
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About The Author
Laila, a Christian blogger, empty nester, and mother of three married children is very optimistic person who is always hopeful that difficult days lead to better ones. Believes that nothing is as powerful as a smile, showing compassion and kindness, spreading love and sunshine and to live in peace and harmony.
Thank you so much for this very thoughtful teaching on forgiveness. I especially appreciate where you talked about Satan’s role in unforgiveness. I think sometimes we fail to realize the huge role our enemy plays in not only unforgiveness, but many areas of our lives when we allow him to gain a foothold. May our Lord bless you as you continue share his Word!
Thank you so much Patti.Forgiveness is the basic foundation of Christianity.Satan will do anything so that we do not come closer to Christ.Thanks Patti.
Forgiveness is such an important topic and one we don’t talk about often enough. Thank you for sharing!
Aileen..thank you.Christianity is all about forgiveness and that what Christ teaches us time and again.
Forgiveness can be SO hard when we don’t understand. But OH the freedom and joy of releasing all that unforgiveness to God … priceless! Thank you for this beautiful post, sweet sister! Blessings …
Very True Donna. Also Christ teaches us to do so and the joy and freedom of not holding grudges is unparalleled.