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Choose to Forgive, to Be Forgiven!!!

I believe that there are few things in this world that are more precious to us than receiving forgiveness. After carrying the burden of our sin, it is awesomely freeing to know that the One we have wronged has completely forgiven us. Jesus told His disciples to ask God for forgiveness every time they prayed. Jesus knew that we would daily incur debts against God, as we always fall short of God's standards. A day does not go by that we do not need to ask God to remove our debt against Him. However:

"And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." Matthew 6:12

Jesus has warned us that we should expect forgiveness from God as we forgive those who sin against us, for God will forgive us in the same way we forgive others. (Matthew 6:15). God's nature is forgiveness. If we are to be His disciples, we must follow His example. If God will forgive our most relentless enemy, we can do nothing less. Jesus did not say that certain offenses are unworthy of our forgiveness. We have no biblical excuse for allowing unforgiveness in our hearts. We sin against our God when we take the position that we can never forgive others their actions against us, no matter how horrific or tragic their actions upon us might be. As God forgives us, so we are to forgive. Don't expect forgiveness, if you cannot give forgiveness!

If you choose to withhold forgiveness from someone, Jesus says your worship and prayers are futile. (Matthew 5:23-24). Ask God to make you aware of those dark corners in your life when you are harboring resentment or bitterness. An awareness of your own need for forgiveness will put the offenses of others in their proper light. Ask God to make you like Christ so that, even when you are being persecuted, you can pray "Father, forgive them."

May God richly bless you today!! H Trent!

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