Forgiveness is an act of obedience in faith to
receive what Jesus has given us, and to give what He commands us to extend to
others from the deepest part of us, our, hearts. It is an Act of
Love. Sin hurts. Jesus body on that cross reveals how much He loved
us to deal with our sin and others sin. All sin, every sin. His
Words from the cross say it all. “Father forgive them for they don’t know
what they are doing.” This does not mean we don’t have feelings and need
to grieve these hurts with Jesus. The ultimate wonder of forgiveness is
intimacy with Love Himself, Jesus.
We see that forgiveness has so many facets, all of
which begin with the obedient act of extending forgiveness(in response to
Jesus’ command).
It is part of “taking up our cross daily”, because we
must deny ourselves (this would include our feelings) and follow Him. Emotions
may follow after- but not always.
You don't forgive others
for them; you forgive them for you and Jesus. When you forgive, Jesus
frees your heart and lifts your burden and keeps your heart from bitterness.
Forgiveness can be a process. The restoration that
occurs initially is in the heart of the forgiver between Jesus and the hurt
heart. He/she releases the offender which keeps bitterness from
developing.
Forgiveness is hard but God requires it and Jesus
wouldn’t require it if He had not made it possible for us to forgive because of
the cross.
No comments:
Post a Comment