Christians are to forgive others and especially those in the Church. The old sin nature is never fully eradicated. Human relationships are still a collision of sinners. The biggest problem is often not the offence but the inability to forgive. Forgiveness is important to relationships in the family, marriage and the Church. The inability to forgive destroys not only relationships with other people but is also self-destructive. From it comes revenge, retaliation and also bitterness over time. In the US some 75% of the lawyers exist to help those who want to sue others. It is often about revenge. Sometimes it is outright lies. Forgiveness frees you to enjoy all relationships. Why are we to forgive?

We are no more like God than when we forgive. It is the most God-like act a Christian can do.

• See Exodus 34:5-6. God introduces Himself to Moses as a God who forgives sin.
• See Psalm 32:2 – God not impute iniquity. God does not hold against us our sin. See Psalm 85:1-3, Psalm 130:3 – If God kept a record of our sins who could stand?
• See Isaiah 1:18 – Come let us reason together. God can remove the blood of your sins to make you white as snow. See Isaiah 43:25. Sure sins are forgotten. The Lord Jesus is the manifestation of God’s forgiveness.
• See Luke 15:11-32 – The parable of the prodigal son. How great is God’s forgiveness! Notice the robe, ring, sandals and sonship. We are to display mercy. Give people what they need and not what you think they deserve. Judgement belongs to God. The elder son was unforgiving and bitter.
• See Colossians 3:13. Paul wrote from jail after being falsely imprisoned.

The difficulties in life are to be embraced. The offences, words, attacks are the very trials that perfect you. See 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Paul took it all and became stronger through his suffering. God perfected him and kept him humble. Paul for his thorn in the flesh to go away. He prayed that it would stop. God would not stop the suffering but rather ramp up the grace.

Forgive for the good of yourself, your family, friends and the Church. God expects nothing less as he has forgiven you!

Categories: Matthew