Ephesians 1:7 KJV
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Colossians 1:13-14 KJV
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
As Christians, we have received the greatest of all gifts. The gifts of grace, mercy, love and forgiveness.
When we humbly bow before God in repentance and sorrow for our sins, we are asking Him to forgive us of those sins, through the blood of Jesus Christ.
As we repent and accept Christ into our lives, God does just that. He forgives us of our past sins.
In God’s master plan, He entered into a New Covenant with humankind, whereby Jesus Christ gave His life and blood as the atonement for our sins, if we will only believe, accept and repent of those sins.
Through His blood, we have redemption. We have forgiveness for our sins and reconciliation with God.
On the cross of Calvary, we see the forgiveness of God personified. Jesus, cried to His Father, asking for forgiveness for those who were in the process of crucifying Him. Think about the power and extent of this.
Whether the Roman soldiers availed themselves of God’s gift, we cannot be sure, but Jesus was advocating for them from the cross.
Luke 23:34 KJV
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
AS GOD HAS FORGIVEN US, WE LIKEWISE MUST FORGIVE OTHERS
Having been forgiven of our sins and trespasses, does it not make sense that we are also to have a forgiving heart?
Colossians 3:13 KJV
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
The model prayer that Christ gave us says, “And forgive us our debts (or trespasses) as we forgive our debtors (those who trespass against us).”
Matthew 6:12 KJV
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
To often we repeat the words of this prayer without thinking that these words came directly from Jesus. Therefore, they should be prayerfully considered and not just said out of repetition, as they are instructions from our Lord.
Why is it important that we have a forgiving heart? Not on a case-by-case basis, but a totally forgiving heart?
Because it is God’s gift to us, we therefore should be willing and able to forgive others who have wronged us. Jesus taught that we are not only to show Christian love to those who are our friends, but also to those who are our enemies.
Here is more of what Jesus said about forgiveness of others.
Matthew 18:21-22 KJV
21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
No matter how painful the hurt may be, or the fact that someone hasn’t shown any contrition for their actions, we must forgive them.
Further, we must do so without being asked to do so. We can’t wait for them to ask us to forgive them, because they may never do this, and it only adds time to our grief. We must let it go.
Holding a grudge or anger in one's heart only hurts oneself, both spiritually and physically.
Keep in mind always, that in forgiving, we are not justifying the actions of another.
God hates sin and He doesn’t justify our sins when He forgives us through Christ Jesus. He simply forgives us and we are reconciled with Him.
The scriptures say that “He removes those sins as far as the east is from the west.”
When we forgive others, we are in essence healing ourselves and ridding ourselves of thoughts and anger that cause us discomfort and agony. Further, these grudges, bitterness and anger cause us to fail in living as Christ taught us to live.
Think about it. Who does an unforgiving heart and begrudging attitude hurt worse? The aggrieved or the one who did the hurting? In fact, hanging on to these burdens will weigh us down spiritually, causing us to sin against God.
Just after giving us the "Lord's Prayer", Jesus spoke the following words about the necessity of a forgiving heart.
Matthew 6:14-15 KJV
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Think about it.
Grudges, bitterness, resentment or anger only hurt those who hold them. Physically, spiritually and eternally.
RVH