Forgiving And Being Forgiven

-February 2, 2022-

Good morning, happy Wednesday,

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses” (Mark 11:25-26).

“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24).

Yesterday we considered the blessing of God’s forgiveness. God has forgiven us of all our sins, past, present, and future through the substitutionary death of Christ on the cross. God’s forgiveness is perfect, immediate, and complete. His forgiveness of us is the basis of our forgiveness of one another. Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Today, we see how important it is to forgive others and for others to forgive us. Jesus made it very clear that our relationship with with others affects our relationship with the Father. Sinning against others is akin to sinning against God. If we go on living, worshipping, and serving with unresolved issues, it won’t be acceptable to God. We will be hypocrites.

There are times when we sin against others, hurt them in some way, or wrong them; we must ask them to forgive us. The longer we go without settling the issue, the harder it is to deal with. We must first ask God to forgive us, then the person whom we have wronged. Unresolved issues lead to bitterness and walls build up between people. So often people hold grudges against others which can last for years.

Other times, others hurt us. They are clearly in the wrong. Even so, we must be the ones to initiate the resolution. It is our responsibility. Jesus tells us to leave your gift at the altar and go and settle your differences before coming into the presence of God, especially in a worship service.

Just as there is a great blessing to be forgiven by God, so too, it is a great blessing to forgive others and to be forgiven by others. In either case, we must humble ourselves and be obedient to God. Have you any unresolved issues with others? We must deal with them now. It may have been something that happened a long time ago, that has gone on too long and affected your relationship with someone. It is never too late to make things right. God will pour out His mercy and grace and make possible reconciliation, peace, and love.

Have a blessed day forgiving and being forgiven. The sun will shine brighter and our burdens will be lighter. Stay safe and healthy.

In His mercy and grace,

Dean