The Power Of Forgiveness (Part 2)
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in Heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25
Jesus taught that you can’t be forgiven if you don’t forgive. Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling. It is an attitude, not just a single act. You may feel like a person does not deserve your forgiveness. But ask yourself, “Do I deserve forgiveness?” You do not deserve it, but the Bible says God is “rich in mercy.” He is not stingy with it. He looks for opportunities to show extravagant grace to His people. If this is the heart of God, who are we to judge others? If you don’t want to be judged, don’t sit on the judgment seat.
You do not forgive someone for their benefit but for your own. God, who knows what is best for us, warns us, “Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.” Jesus said it is impossible for offense not to come. Hurt is a reality. But bitterness is a reaction.
When Jesus forgave us, two things happened. These are the same two things that happen when you release forgiveness. Number one, you cancel the past. And number two, you disarm the devil. When you forgive, you wipe the slate clean. No one owes you, and you no longer have to waste energy keeping track of grievances. It was never a yoke that God meant for you to bear in the first place. God’s yoke is light because He does not carry around the offenses of others. When you forgive, you disarm the enemy of this weapon. You take away the tool that Satan is using to divide and destroy. Though you may be unable to stop the devil’s weapon from being formed, forgiveness removes the weapon from the situation.
The Bible says that when Jesus was carrying the cross to Calvary, He dropped it, and a man came and helped pick it back up for Him. Perhaps this is mentioned in the scriptures to remind us that there will be times that we “drop the cross” and mess up. There will be times when we will need a brother or sister to help us get back on our feet again. It is not the will of God for us to kick people when they are down. We are supposed to be the ones who run over and help them get back up. “One can put a thousand to flight. Two can put ten thousand to flight.” (Deuteronomy 32:30) We need each other.
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