THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS

Matthew 18:21, 22 (NIV) Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Colossians 3:13-15 (NIV) Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Why is forgiveness so important to God? It reflects His image thus His love and character. It's an opportunity to give back as He has given us and when we choose not to avenge; it strengthens our character and weakens our pride. Proverbs 19:11(NIV) says "A man's wisdom gives him patience;it is to his glory to overlook an offense". Whether the incident is small or major if we don’t forgive “I, you” have offended God… “Forgive me of my trespasses as I forgive those who trespass against me…”

Realizing that there is unforgiveness within oneself and attempting to justify holding onto it binds the Holy Spirit’s ability to work!! The choice to withhold the “Grace” of forgiveness barricades our effectual prayer life. And yes, I am guilty! I held onto it! “Hurt me like that and think I’m just going to take it”….Pride and Honor people binds so many in captivity to the point we are in denial of their existence within us. But it comes out...through our speech, eyes, and actions. That’s what it is and it is what it is! Have you been there or are you a saved and santified sinless sinner? Now that I am set free of that “choice of thought”, let me tell you how God dealt with me.

“Tell him that he is forgiven,” God said. This same person, I have forgiven over and over again and I had simply become numb to the point that my rationale was that of the Jews in Peter’s time - can be forgiven three times but never a fourth... but Peter sought the counsel of Jesus and what did Jesus say? (Matthew 18:21, 22)

How many unconditional times has God forgiven me without becoming numb? Although the wounded one, I made the first move as God instructed and told him he was forgiven and this time the power of forgiveness produced the key to open the door to his and my self examination and a genuine apology. How many times has God forgiven us of some type of behavior until it finally clicked in us? AND… we can - not - wait – on- or – always - expect the offender to make the first move…you’re waiting on the offender while God’s waits on you! Did not God make the first move toward us?

Forgiveness is a choice to exhibit “Grace and Mercy therefore Christ-like Character”. It is a learned behavior that we should be embracing before we find ourselves standing on “hidden pride and honor” shouting and praying our way into hell? Enlighten me.

FORGIVE
Forgiveness is a gift allowed by God
but what we choose to do with it…
is left to our own judgment,
However…
God’s judgment is Final.

(Poem is from the book, The Grace of God by Velma J Perry)