IF YOU REFUSE TO FORGIVE

“BUT IF YOU REFUSE TO FORGIVE OTHERS, YOUR FATHER WILL NOT FORGIVE YOUR SINS. MATTHEW 6:15

Is there a greater testament to love than forgiveness? Has there ever been a greater challenge to one’s “rights”? Don’t we all feel justified in our own unforgiveness toward others? Can’t we all say, “But I was wronged”?

Of course you were wronged; otherwise forgiveness would be unnecessary. If no one has hurt you or taken advantage of you or abused you or violated your trust you have no need to forgive.

Whatever the offense toward us, such an offense can never measure the offense natural man is to Our Holy God, “BUT GOD SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVWE FOR US BY SENDING CHRIST TO DIE FOR US WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS.” ROMANS 5:8 While we still cursed Him and mocked Him or ignored Him or before we even knew Him; He forgave us and loved us and chose to die for you and me. Can you hear Jesus say, “LOVE EACH OTHER, JUST AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, YOU SHOULD LOVE EACH OTHER.” JOHN 13:34 While you are still being hated, while you are still being cursed, while you are still being taken advantage of; here’s what you must do – “LOVE ONE ANOTHER”!

To what degree must you be willing to love? Until you are willing to die for the person who is hates you; for the person who abusing you; for the person who is lying about you; for the person who is taking advantage of you. But you cannot love them until you are willing to forgive them.Forgiveness is NOT saying the wrong done is ok. Forgiveness though is saying that the wrong done is ok with you; it was wrong, but I will not allow the hurt of the wrong done prevent me from loving you.

Is it any wonder the 12 complained to Jesus; “THIS IS A HARD SAYING!” It is easy to hate, difficult to love, but essential to forgive if we are going to be forgiven by our Father in Heaven. Amen!