Jane
Scriptures: Matthew 6:12-14 Ephesians 4:32 I John 2:2 1 John 1:9 Mark 11:25 James 5:16 Luke 6:37 Colossians 3:13
In the darkness of his room, with despair filling his whole being, he fell to his knees and asked God to forgive his sins. And, in faithfulness and grace, God forgave the man his sins, and he became a new creation, and an amazing peace came upon him.
In 1 John 1:9 we read “if we confess our sins to God, He will keep His promise and do what is right, He will forgive our sins and purify us from all our wrong doings.” The Lord’s Prayer, which is found in Mathew 6:9-14, says in verse 12, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us”, and in verse 14 it says “if you forgive others the wrongs, they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you (Good News Bible)”.
The dictionary meaning of forgiveness is to let go of the pain, to pardon, to cease to feel resentment, overcoming feelings of anger, bitterness, revenge. God given forgiveness for a professing Christian begins with turning away from our old life of sin and believing that Jesus is our Lord and Saviour. When we confess our sins God is faithful and just and forgives all of our sins (clears the slate). We become a new creation. Experiencing Christian forgiveness brings peace, healing and love that only God can bring about, in every situation they go through.
There is a beautiful song that highlights this gift of grace: God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name I have been born again in Jesus’ name And in Jesus name I come to you To share his love as he told me to. He said freely freely you have received freely freely give. Go in my name and because you believe others will know that I live.
What a wonderful song. We receive God’s forgiveness through asking God into our hearts, coming to the Lord in repentance. God died for us so that our sins would be forgiven, so that we can receive God’s forgiveness and love. Then the Lord enables us to share this love with others.
As so often happens in families, she fell out with her brother. God mercifully forgave her, her brother forgave her and there was a beautiful reconciliation, and an abundance of God’s love in the restored relationship.
Ephesians 4:32 speaks about Christians needing to forgive others even as Christ forgives them. Forgiving others can lead to feelings of empathy, understanding and compassion, yet it is only through God that we can learn to forgive others. “The Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive” (Colossians 3:13)
Research concludes forgiveness is associated with better health, satisfaction with life and a healthier relationship with others. To forgive is an act of kindness that helps others heal as well. We are blessed to be able to make mistakes and still obtain God's love and forgiveness, all because Jesus Christ died on the cross so that our sins will be forgiven. AMEN
Prayer: Lord, we pray help us to forgive others as You forgive us. Enable us to come before You and acknowledge our sins. May we know that abundant peace that comes from our repentance. Through the power of Christ, our Risen Lord, we pray. Amen