Many months back, I felt that the Lord wanted me to meditate on forgiveness. I wondered why but still did it. With time, I got to understand a few things about forgiveness.
Matt 5: 43-48
- Humility: it humbles me because I let go of my right to claim justice. The bible tells us that we should reconcile with our neighbor before presenting our offering unto Him. Matt 5:23-34 I go to the person who has something against me. It is easier for me to justify myself in saying that they chose not to be right with me. But I can remember the many times when I felt guilty and dirty yet God almighty and holy came to me.
- Obedience: simply obedience. We don’t always like what we are told to do but this is the work of the Lord Jesus to us all. We may not like it but the bible tells us that God prefers obedience to sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22)
The Lord Jesus says that those who do the will of the Father will enter heaven (Matt 7:21). Jn 14:15 relates obedience to loving God. This tells us how much obedience matters to God.
- Growth: mature believers do forgive because they understand what we have discussed above. I often say to myself “I will forgive because I can’t afford to miss out on heaven because of another human being”. I told the Holy Spirit once that true christian life is not natural when meditating on Matt 5: 444. I will be honest in saying that some people make it easier to pray those prayers of authority against them. I realize that some of those prayers can be filled with anger and hatred. We hide behind spirituality to get to people or not forgive them. We also say spiritual things to justify our pride. Unforgiveness is also a fruit of pride. In our wrongdoing, we hope in God’s mercy and grace but deny the gift of love to our neighbour. The fact that we need God is enough to tell that none of us is perfect.
When we say enemy, we naturally see war, enmity, hatred, conflicts… But God the Father sacrificed Jesus so that the enmity between us and Him be transformed into perfect love. Jn 3:16-17 I love verse 17 that says that He sent Jesus not to condemn us but that we might be saved. This is the extent to which ;God went so that you and I may be justified. Today, we have received the spirit of adoption (Rom 8:15) and are co-heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17).
- Answered prayers: The Lord keeps those who obey His word. When we trust in what He says and have no doubt, this pleases Him. The bible says that, because Abraham’s faith in God remained unshaken, it was accounted to him as righteousness and he was called the friend of God (Gen 15:6; James 2:23). Loving God alone is not enough, we have to put our faith to work (James 2:26). Loving God leads us to seek after Him and desire to be where He is. Faith gives the courage to do just what He says even when it may not make sense to us. As Hebews 11:6 says, no man can please God without faith. Faith in God is testifying about His faithfulness and truthfulness.
We also read about the blessings that follow those who are obedient to the Lord (Luke 6:46; Ex 19:5; Prov 19:16). Obedience is to do what the Lord Jesus said to do; love our enemies and pray for them.
We develop a relationship with the Father because of obedience (1 Jn 3:22-24).
- Unconditional love: we develop the love of the Father in us because we learn to look at people through His eyes. We cry for mercy on their behalf. The prayer of the Lord Jesus on the cross is a great example of forgiveness in affliction. As He said in Matthew 5:44, He did just that. He prayed for those who persecuted Him and we need to do the same. It won’t always be easy but grace abounds in our weakness.
Gracefully,
Kate
GraceFully 