Saturday, July 19, 2008
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
FATHER, FORGIVE
If we refuse to forgive those who sin against us, what we reveal is not a "sense of justice" but just the opposite, namely a disbelief regarding God's justice in Christ -- unbelief.
The unforgiving heart is an unbelieving heart. A person can't give someone else something He doesn't have himself.
Too strong? Jesus was stronger. "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses" (Mark 11:25-26).
God forbid that these words should ever apply to any of us. And if they already do? If the hurt others have caused us has led us to say "that's unforgivable"? If we are holding a grudge? If we by word or action are "paying someone back"?
In that case, there is someone you need to see, somewhere you need to go -- as soon as possible.
You need to go to the cross of Christ. You need to kneel there and listen -- and know He prays for you.
"Father, forgive them."
While we were still sinners, Jesus prayed for us -- AND PAID FOR US.
As Jesus prayed for us, let us pray for others. As Jesus forgave us, let us forgive others.
