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Pastor Speaks on Forgiveness
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Colossians 3:13 “ I forgive you.” Far too often, these three little words are so difficult to say. And even if they are said, they seem almost impossible to abide by. Consider the times you have been wronged in the recent months. Maybe someone lied on you or said something unkind about you or a family member. What feelings do you have when you think about those circumstances? Do you get mad, frustrated, or disappointed? It is not easy to forgive someone who has caused you pain. It is so much easier to hold a grudge or take revenge on the person to “even the score”. The Bible, however, teaches us a different message about forgiveness. In no uncertain terms, the Word tells us to “forgive others just as Jesus Christ forgave you.” When Paul wrote members of the Colossian church, he talked about forgiveness in his letter. He did this to unite the church and to point them back to the main focus: that Jesus died to forgive their sins. Since Jesus paid the ultimate price for your forgiveness, what right do you have to deny forgiveness to people who wronged you? You have NO right! If you forgive others, God will forgive you. Forgiveness begins with a change of heart. Offering forgiveness helps to mend the person’s pain who wronged you, as well as your own bitterness or anger. Forgiveness is not a “one-time” thing. You will need to forgive often. When Peter asked Jesus how many times he had to forgive someone, Jesus answered, “seventy times seven”. Rather than the actual number (490), Jesus meant there was no limit to forgiveness. When Jesus was on the cross, he said about the very people who sent him to die, “…forgive them: for they know not what they do.” Maybe the person who wronged you was simply careless or clueless. Perhaps the person who hurt you really didn’t intend to. We humans are noted for saying and doing things without thinking first. But still, you must forgive those who make such errors, for the scripture says,” …if you forgive… your heavenly Father also will forgive you…” Once you forgive, then comes the hard part---forgetting. When you have forgiven someone, STOP dwelling on the situation. It may take some time to get over the hurt, but that’s okay. When we ask God for forgiveness, He not only forgives our sins, He forgets them. So the next time someone wrongs you, stop and ask yourself—“What would Jesus do?” You have the answer—forgive and forget. Let us all strive to be more like Jesus! |
Rev. Dr. L. R. Drinkwater, Sr., Host |
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