FORGIVENESS

The Bible instructs us to forgive as the Lord forgave us:

Colossians 3:13

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. NIV

It is not uncommon for Christians to have questions about forgiving. Forgiveness is not very easy for most of us. Our natural desire think self-protection when we’ve been injured. We don’t always act upon mercy, grace and forgiveness when we’ve been wronged.

Is forgiveness a choice, a physical act involving the will, or a feeling, an emotion? The Bible offers insight and answers to these and many more questions about forgiveness. We’ll take a look at the some asked questions and find out what the Bible says about forgiveness.

What is forgiveness?

Usually, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The decision to not what to get even with the one who hurt or offended you . Forgiveness can lessen the grip on you and help you focus on other, positive areas of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.

Keep in mind, that forgiveness doesn’t mean you deny the other person’s responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn’t minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life. Believe me its worth it!

What are your benefits of forgiving someone?

Healthier relationships, Greater spiritual well being, Less anxiety, stress and hostility,

Lower blood pressure and Fewer symptoms of depression.

Philippians 1:6

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. NLT

How will we know if we have truly forgiven?

Lewis B. Smedes wrote in his book, Forgive and Forget, “When you release the wrongdoer from the wrong, you cut a malignant tumor out of your inner life. You set a prisoner free, but you discover that the real prisoner was yourself.”

Let me mention we will know the work of forgiveness is complete when we experience the freedom that comes as a result. We are the ones who suffer most when we choose not to forgive. When we do forgive, the Lord sets our hearts free from the anger, bitterness, resentment and hurt that previously imprisoned us.

However, forgiveness is a slow process.

I alway find prayer is one of the best ways to break down any unforgiveness in my heart. When I pray for the person who has wronged me, God gives me new eyes to see and care for that person. As I pray, I start to see that person as God sees them, and I realize that he or she is just as precious to the Lord as I am. I also see myself just as guilty of sin and failure as the other person. I too am in need of forgiveness. If God did not withhold his forgiveness from me, why should I withhold my forgiveness from another?

What must I do to be saved we must:

1.) Hear the “good news” (i.e. the gospel) of Jesus Christ(Romans 10:14)

2.) Believe(Hebrews 11:6; Acts 8:37; Mark 16:16; John 8:24)

3.) Repent of our sins (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30; Mark 10:15)

4.) Confess faith in Jesus Christ(Acts 8:36-37; Romans 10:9) {Footnote}

5.) Be baptized (in water) for the forgiveness of sins(Acts 2:37-41; 1Peter 3:21; John 3:3-5; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-8; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:26-27; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:34-39; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 4:5)