The Power of Forgiveness.
Jesus commands us in Matthew 18:21-22(NIV),
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus replied, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
This is a biblical and heavenly mandate from God, “forgive.”
You may find it hard to pardon the wrong of others towards us, but do you think of how selfish it sounds, if you want God to forgive you but you haven’t forgiven your neighbor?
Effects of Unforgiveness
When you hold onto grudges and refuse to let go and forgive, you get the following effects;
- Bitterness and resentment.
- Breaks your relationship with God and others.
- Loss of the grace that follows God’s forgiveness.
- Stagnancy in the physical and spiritual realm.
- No peace of mind.
But forgiveness has a refreshing and healing power that God never fails to demonstrate.
He forgives you no matter the height of sins that you have ever committed since you were born.
Bible Verses on Forgiveness
These parables and biblical references tell you more about the essence of forgiveness:
1. The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32, shows you more on this area.
2. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus instructs, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
3. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35, where a king forgives a servant’s huge debt, but the servant refuses to forgive a fellow servant’s little debt.
4. Matthew 5:23-24 (KJV) Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Here, you are made to understand that God sees your heart, and if it’s not open or is unforgiving, how do you expect God to receive your offering? Think about it.
5. Ephesians 4:32, states it clearly that we should pardon others as God has pardoned us for Christ’s sake.
Do you think you can gain any significant result by showing mercy to others?
In life’s tapestry, there are a lot of important necessities received from forgiveness.
On the side of Christian living, there are even more benefits to be gained.
7 Benefits of Forgiving
1. Restoration of Peace:
The peace of mind you lost, and the wounds you developed while keeping malice, suddenly vanish when you forgive.
It’s heavenly designed and psychologically proven!
2. Relief from Burden:
When you don’t forgive, you carry a heavy burden in your chest. It’s a load of hate, and it’s not good for your overall well-being. But this burden is lifted when you practice forgiveness.
3. Healing:
Number one and two benefits all result in your reaching the apex of healing.
4. Transformation:
God aids in transforming your mindset about forgiveness and turns you in the direction of great change.
5. Restoration of Joy and Salvation:
The joy you lost will be matched back to you, in an overflowing way, when you forgive. When you pardon us, God pardons your sins as well, and his anger will be lifted from you. You receive the joy that comes from God’s salvation.
6. Freedom:
You become free from harboring hate, grudges, malice, and resentment, which are the fruits of unforgiveness that come from the flesh in hatred (Galatians 5:20).
7. Redemption:
You are saved from your iniquities, and not condemned when you are forgiven ( Ephesians 1:7).
So, how can you be redeemed if you don’t follow God’s instruction to forgive so he can forgive you too, and give you redemption?
Final Dose:
Your guide and model as a Christian is Jesus Christ. He taught us the Lord’s prayer, which didn’t skip the part of forgiveness. That’s how important forgiving others is.
Ask God to help you forgive others, every single time they offend you.