Forgive and you will be forgiven

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15

We can easily say with our mouths that we have forgiven someone who has wronged us, but does our heart agree with our words? Do our thoughts and actions toward that person reflect true forgiveness?

Jesus came into this world, was nailed to a cross where He put every single sin; past, present, and future upon Him. He faced being separated from His Father just so you and I could be forgiven. Have we forgiven others like Christ has forgiven us?

You see when Christ forgives us He remembers our sin no more. When we get to heaven we will not find a file under our name that says Kristi’s past, present and future sins, nor does He keep record of when He has been wronged.  Could you imagine if He did keep a record? We on the other hand keep a file of our own sins and many records of when we have been wronged. We know exactly where they are stored in our brain and we are quick to pull them out and attack!

I have said the Lord’s Prayer so many times growing up but today as the Lord led me to re-read it, I saw it different for the first time. It was this particular part that stood out to me the most. “And forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.” Matthew 6:12.  Just as I finished reading that sentence the Lord immediately stopped me and said, “Do you mean it? Do you want to be forgiven, because if you do, than you have to forgive, you have to get rid of all the files and records and forgive, just as I have forgiven you? You have to do it despite the hurt you felt, despite the hateful words they have spoken, despite their actions, despite it all. Because despite the beatings, despite the mockery, despite the nails, I forgave and forgive you.”

When we ask to be forgiven, we need to also ask the Lord if we have truly forgiven those who have wronged us. We need to remember the mercy, grace, and forgiveness we receive and want to receive and we need to give that mercy, grace and forgiveness to them. We need to ask the Lord to help us remove the files and records, and to give us the strength and the ability to look at them through His eyes and to fill our hearts with the same love He has for us and them.

We have to do our part, and let God do the parts we can’t, even if it is a lot and even if it takes the rest of our lives.  He will do it! Most importantly we need to do just as Ephesians 4:32 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”  

Prayer: Lord help me to remember how much mercy, grace and forgiveness You give me. Help me not just say with mere words that I have forgiven but help me to display it through my actions and thoughts towards them. Amen