Freedom in Forgiveness
Colossians 3:13 TPT
"'Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them. '
Colossians 3:13 TPT
What breaks unity faster in a relationship more than anything else? Unforgiveness. The sad reality of individuals hardening their heart towards one another, holding judgement, resentment, bitterness all while refusing to extend mercy. When those who followed Jesus wanted answers about the topic of divorce,
Jesus said, “Moses permitted you to divorce because your hearts are so hard and stubborn, but originally there was no such thing." Matthew 19:8 (TPT)
Spouses, family members, friends, people look for excuses to hold onto unforgiveness. They justify holding this debt against the "guilty". They try to be like God, judge... but there is only one True Righteous Judge in Heaven and Earth, God (Lord, Yahweh, Adonai). We must never try to seek vengeance. As followers of Jesus Christ we are held to a greater standard, to be like Him, to reflect His character, His Nature.
Some wise words I heard, "Don't apologize to be forgiven, apologize to repent."
Repentance is when you have a change of heart.
The disciples of Jesus asked, “How many times do I have to forgive my fellow believer who keeps offending me? Seven times?” 22Jesus answered, “Not seven times, Peter, but seventy times seven times!" Matthew 18:21-22 TPT
Jesus' answer was to show that there should be unlimited forgiveness. This is the way of God's Kingdom. This is how we truly show we are little Christ aka Christians.
Jesus gives his disciples an example of "How To Pray " in Matthew 6, He emphasizes the need for extending forgiveness in order to be forgiven. He says, "12Forgive us the wrongs we have done as we ourselves release forgiveness to those who have wronged us." Matthew 6:12 TPT
Forgiveness is not affirming what the wrong doer did was justified, but forgiveness is about releasing the burden of unforgiveness towards someone. This act results in FREEDOM IN FORGIVENESS.
Years ago the Holy Spirit highlighted to me some of Jesus final words on the cross, "Forgive them Lord, for they do not know what they are doing." (Reference Luke 23:34 ) It was then that I truly understood that holding onto unforgiveness was never my job. My only duty was to release the debtor. So, every time I feel my flesh taking over and trying to justify unforgiveness which is in fact A SIN. I submit to the Holy Spirit and pray those exact words. This is how I fight my battles.!!! Forgiving others, allows me to receive forgiveness when I need it. The bible states in Matthew 6:15 (TPT) "But if you withhold forgiveness from others, your
Father withholds forgiveness from you.”
As Christians, we must humble ourselves, acknowledge that we fall short daily, we are all sinners, none of us are blameless, not one! Only Jesus Christ is and that is why He was Able to become the ATONEMENT FOR OUR SINS. BY HIS BODY THAT WAS SHED AND HIS BLOOD THAT WAS POURED OUT, WE ARE FORGIVEN.!!! THANK YOU, JESUS, THE SAVIOR OF MY LIFE! HALLELUJAH!
Confession is crucial in repentance. "1 John 1:9 (TPT)
But if we freely admit our sins when his light uncovers them, he will be faithful to forgive us every time. God is just to forgive us our sins because of Christ, and he will continue to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Today I encourage you to extend mercy and forgiveness to any and all!
Then, confess, repent, and receive forgiveness too! This is TRUE FREEDOM!!!!
Mark 11:25 (TPT) "And whenever you stand praying, if you find that you carry something in your heart against another person, release him and forgive him so that your Father in heaven will also release you and forgive you of your faults."
Reflection:
How can I display forgiveness to those around me?
