Forgiveness
Such an important topic but one that I don’t hear many sermons on. In Jesus’ final moments on the cross, He cried out, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they do.” He told His disciples, “If you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father in Heaven forgive your trespasses.” As He taught His disciples to pray, He included the line, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Forgiveness is not optional.
I think all of us would admit that we have had much to be forgiven for in our lives. Yet, when others wrong us, we are quick to retaliate and want to see them pay. This is not the example Jesus gave us. He told us to turn the other cheek, to do good to those who hate us, and to pray for those who despitefully use us. This is what sets us apart from the world.
Christianity is not for wimps. It is a strong person who can walk away from someone who has slandered them or done them wrong in some way and yet, instead of retaliating, stop and pray for that same person. It’s not easy but it is pleasing to our Father.
If there is someone in your life that you have not been able to forgive, ask God daily to help you. Pray for that person. This in itself can help to soften your heart. Forgiveness does not mean letting your guard down and acting as if nothing has happened but it does mean refusing to hate the person or to return evil for evil. Without God, this is impossible but I believe God will give you the strength you need if you cry out to Him on a daily basis. After all, that was His example.
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