God tells us to forgive
Chapter 5
by Gini Crawford, MSW
Our light to do what's right
As Christians, God wants us to follow His Word, the Bible. God’s Word is like a flashlight. It lights our way. At times we think we are doing what is right but we are not. God's Word teaches you what is right to do, and what isn't - so you need to know His Word. I was in a large department store some years back shopping. Suddenly the lights went out. With no windows near me it was dark. I couldn't see so I started bumping into the displays. A man with a flashlight, asked if he could lead me. His light easily led us the right way. (Psalm 1:2-3; 2 Timothy 3:15-17).
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 NIV®
A mountain city was celebrating a newly translated Bible in their language. One of the translators went blind towards the end of the thirty years it took to translate the Bible into his indigenous language. Yet, he still rejoiced over his copy of the Bible, even though he would never personally get to read it. He knew others would get to know our God, Jesus Christ, through reading it. He knew God's Word would be a light in people's life leading them on God's path. (Psalm 119:130; Hebrews 4:12).
Do you know God's Word enough that you can do what is right?
God's Word says to forgive
God Word tells us to forgive, so we need to forgive. I am sure at times we have every right not to forgive because of the injustice done. Yet, God still expects us to forgive. Remember, Jesus came to this earth to forgive us, even when we were His enemies. (Romans 5:8-10). In Matthew chapter six, Jesus Christ shares the importance of forgiving through what we call, "The Lord's Prayer".
This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one." Matthew 6:9-13 NIV®
In this daily prayer we are told to ask for God's forgiveness, and the prayer implies we should forgive others. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus stresses again the need for forgiving.
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. Matthew 6:14-15 NIV®
Interpreting Matthew 6:14-15: We were dead in our sins with no hope of eternal life, when God the Father had Jesus His Son take the punishment for our sins upon Himself giving us justification (declared right) and eternal forgiveness. So it just makes loving sense, you need to forgive others because you were unconditionally forgiven at a great cost. If you don't forgive others, you won't lose your salvation and forgiveness from God. You are forgiven because of what Jesus did, not because of anything you have done including forgiving others. (Ephesians 1:7, 2:1-9; Titus 3:1-7). But if we have unforgiveness in our heart or mind, then we are in sin and God will distance Himself from us until we forgive. Prayer assumes a close relationship with God, so if you want a strong prayer life, get sin out of your life. (1 John 1:8-10).
All the prophets testify about him (Jesus) that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. Acts 10:43 NIV®
You can look at forgiving this way - if you forgive others you are doing it for God!
Life Application
How often should we forgive
In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus was asked by Peter one of His disciples, "how often should I forgive?" Jesus replied by saying, there should be no limit to how often you should forgive.
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 answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22 NIV®
Jesus then tells a story or parable to underline, why Christians should forgive: Read Matthew 18:21-35 and explain Jesus' story in your own words.
God understands the wrong that was done to you. He isn't excusing it. But He asks you to love your enemy and forgive, knowing He unconditionally loves and forgives you. In reality we all can hurt someone to a point where it is hard for that person to forgive us. We need to forgive because God tells us to, and because we need forgiveness too. Read Luke 6:31-38.
Why do you think the Bible emphasizes for us to forgive?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, we have helped that family for years. Now when my family needs help they won’t help us but have even slandered us. Please help me to forgive them!