Photo Credit: Michaela Faith Photography
In light of this Easter season, my thoughts are still focused on the subject of forgiveness. This is one of those subjects that we don’t mind talking about but are slow to actually doing it. Let’s be honest, forgiveness is hard! It’s awkward and uncomfortable. At times, it is not even deserved. None of this matters to God.
God doesn’t call us to what is easy.
God doesn’t call us to what feels comfortable.
After all, that is not how He responded when it came to forgiving us of our sins.
“…for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:28
Jesus willingly and wholeheartedly died so that we could be forgiven and reconciled in relationship to the Father. As God’s children, we are to follow His example and be imitators of both Him and His character.
1.) We forgive in response to how God forgave us.
“Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
This kind of forgiveness reaches far beyond how our willingness or even our desire to forgive. Forgiveness isn’t a feeling. It is an act of the will. We choose to forgive and then we act out of that choice.
2.) We forgive because Christ instructs us to.
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9
We forgive out of obedience.
We forgive because it pleases God.
It is so simple but we so often make it so complicated. When we bless and forgive others, The Lord blesses and forgives us. He delights in rewarding our obedience.
3.) Forgiveness is a matter of the heart.
The whole of Matthew chapter 18 is centered on forgiveness. But, the verse that stands out to me is the second half of the last verse.
“…if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:35a
Over and over in Scripture God reminds His people that He is more concerned with our hearts and motives than He is with empty actions. I remind myself of this every time that I am tempted not to forgive someone. I pray and ask God to help me to forgive especially when I don’t want to or when they don’t deserve it.
Jesus did it for me and for you.
So, who am I not to forgive? Who are you not to?
Is there someone in your life that The Lord is calling you to push past your feelings and make a decision to forgive?
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Karina
Freelance Writer
I am a devoted follower of Jesus! I love singing, writing, reading, acting and dancing. I am the artsy girl! I love teaching and mentoring the next generation, serving and missions. I love the local church especially the one I attend, Healing Place Church. I love teaching God's word and encouraging His daughters to live out His calling on their lives. I love my Pastors and my friends. They are like family to me. And I absolutely LOVE concerts, conferences and retreats! But the most important thing to me is that I live out Isaiah 26:8. May Everything I do be For His Name and His Renown.
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