Forgiveness!

May 11, 2023

Forgiveness!

There are certain things that I know are true but I don’t like much. 

Some true things challenge me in ways I would rather not be challenged. 

Some true things confront me in areas I am pretty comfortable. 

Some true things push me to take action when I would rather leave things the same.

One of the truths that is especially challenging was spoken by Jesus. 

When Jesus was teaching the disciples how to pray, He addressed the topic of forgiveness.  Jesus speaks of God’s forgiveness of me, other people’s forgiveness of me, and my forgiveness of other people.

I appreciate Jesus’ instruction to find a private place to pray, to not worry about using lots of words or fancy words when I pray, and to follow the model of the “Our Father” prayer.  These helpful directions are found in Matthew 6:5-13.

However, before Jesus wraps up His teaching on how to pray, He offers a word of truth about forgiveness.  In Matthew 6:14-15 Jesus says; “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Those are hard words but true words.

When I hold on to the moment I was offended, Jesus will not forgive me.    

When I hold on to the moment I was pushed to the side, Jesus will not forgive me.

When I hold on to the moment I was embarrassed, Jesus will not forgive me.

Jesus says “…if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” 

When I hold on to the moment I was betrayed, Jesus will not forgive me.

When I hold on to the moment I was chose last, Jesus will not forgive me.

When I hold on to the moment I was abused, Jesus will not forgive me.

Jesus says “…if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” 

When I hold on to the moment I was cheated, Jesus will not forgive me.

When I hold on to the moment I was neglected, Jesus will not forgive me.

When I hold on to the moment I was oppressed, Jesus will not forgive me.

Jesus says “…if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” 

When I hold on to the moment I was abandoned, Jesus will not forgive me.

When I hold on to the moment I was lied to, Jesus will not forgive me.

When I hold on to the moment I was molested, Jesus will not forgive me.

Jesus says “…if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” 

Many times, I hold on to the pain of the past because deep down I want to punish the person who hurt me.  There are other times when I hold on to the pain of the past because I blame myself for the other person’s bad behavior.  And, there are times when I hold on to the pain of the past because I am convinced Jesus is either not able or not willing to forgive me.

However, my unwillingness to forgive has serious consequences.  Jesus knows that when we hold unforgiveness in our in our heart, that unforgiveness grows into resentment, bitterness, and cynicism.  Our heart is filled with anger towards another person rather than filled with the love and mercy and grace of Jesus.

Sometimes I struggle with the truth Jesus shared about prayer on the side of the mountain that day.  Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:15 challenge me.  Jesus says “…if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” 

And yet, I know they are true.  My soul thirsts for the assurance I am living in right relationship with Jesus.  Forgiveness opens the door for that possibility; my forgiveness of other people and Jesus’ forgiveness of me.  I know it is the truth because when forgiveness touches my life, my heart is filled with delight.

I invite you to consider the possibility and power of forgiveness in your life.  If there is someone you need to forgive, take the first step in that direction.  If there is something for which you need to seek the forgiveness of Jesus, drop to your knees right now and begin that conversation with your Savior.

Delight comes when forgiveness touches the hurt places and the hard places in our hearts.  It is the Word of God; it is the truth!

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug