Morning Moments

Forgiveness
[Matt 18:35] So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

I often wonder why scores of books have to be written on such a clear subject in Scripture. Jesus summed it all up from the cross when He said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Forgiveness does not remove the consequence of the other’s wrong doing before God, but that person will be held accountable to him, not you or me. The problem comes for us when we refuse to do what we are told to do – release it or let it go.

We say, “I just can’t do that. The hurt is too deep.” But God says, “I cannot heal the hurt until you do.” You see, holding on to whatever it is would be like constantly picking at a wound risking getting it infected and making it worse. Go to the doctor (Jesus), let him clean it and dress it, then leave it alone and follow His prescription. It will heal. It may take a little time but it will heal if we do it His way.

Do not minimize the pain suffered. Look at Jesus! He suffered untold agony, but He acted according to faith and not flesh by asking the Father’s forgiveness for those who had caused Him such suffering.

I recently saw a young man interviewed who was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death for something he never did. For sixteen years he was on death row for a crime he did not commit. For twenty three hours a day he never saw the light of day, but God saved him and freed him from the resentment and bitterness. He began to grow by forgiving those who had falsely accused him. The case was reinvestigated and he was ultimately released with all charges against him dropped.

An unforgiving spirit puts you in a prison no one can free you from. You can never see the light of day until you forgive and find your own forgiveness in Jesus Christ. FORGIVE!

BLESSINGS!