Forgiveness
By Erik Farstad
November 3, 1997
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
Forgiveness! How do you define this? What does it mean to you? Do you feel forgiven? Do you seek it? Do you grant it? Have you ever really wondered why God forgives you for your daily sin's? There is only one reason.
Let's look at it...
It starts with LOVE. His love for you is so unimaginable and immense, you will never be able to understand it. Then we sinned and lost our favor with the Lord. We hurt His feelings, made Him sad and He wept. Then the amazing happened, a second chance. He sent Christ to pay the atonement for our sins. Christ died so that we don't have to. So what does this have to do with forgiveness?
It is because of Christ's death, 'in Christ,' that you are forgiven! God does all things for a reason. Read Ephesians 4:32 and take out "in Christ." If you take this precious statement out, Christ died for nothing! But he did die for something, you and me!
When you don't forgive others as He does you, you are showing that Christ's death means nothing to you!
Think about this...
Imagine sending your one and only son to die for a world that doesn't deserve to live. Then you watch with joy in your heart as they come to you seeking forgiveness, because of your son's life. But then you watch as those same people try to take your place, to play GOD, judging and not forgiving those around them. You ask yourself, "Did they forget who they are, the life I have saved them from and the fact that they too are still sinners?" "Have they become so self-righteous in thinking?" "Have they forgotten that it is due to their association 'in Christ' that they are even alive?" Does God say this about you?
Let this be your prayer today:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge today that it is for the life and sake of Jesus Christ that I am forgiven. For without His life and death, forgiveness could never have taken place. Burn this into my heart and mind, so I may forever be reminded that I too must forgive others. Not only must I forgive, I must wipe it away forever, to forget! Forgiveness and forgetting go hand in hand. Lead me by your spirit to have a forgiving and tender heart to all those around me. Your love is endless, may I strive to exemplify your love everyday of my life. For Christ's sake and in His name I pray, Amen.
Is there someone you need to forgive today!? Do you need to ask forgiveness?
In Him, "E"