Forgiveness

In all of the commands the Lord has given to us, forgiveness is probably the hardest to do. It is for me and as I speak with others it is for them. Many may not admit it, but the resentment and anger with which they speak of someone is a clear indication of unforgiveness.

Ephesians 4: 32 says "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." In Dan Hamilton's book "Forgiveness" he says that a practical step to forgiveness is to absorb the cost yourself. That is an interesting thought - absorbing the cost. He uses the example of a friend breaking your lamp. You forgive them and you don't require them to replace it, but yet someone has to absorb the cost of replacing the lamp. You absorb it yourself. He says when we replay the videotapes of what happened in our mind, we stay angry. Therefore, do not remind yourself of the "videotapes." Remind yourself of the cross and what Jesus did for you. He, also, says we are to come to the point of praying for the offender and ourselves. Praying for my offender is very hard for me to do even though the scripture clearly says we are to love our enemies and pray for those who spitefully use us and persecute us (Matthew 5:44).

Jesus' words in Mark 11:25, 26 says, "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."

There will never be true joy in our lives if we allow unforgiveness to fester in us. Let us remember that when Christ died for us, He absorbed the cost. The consequences of our sin had to paid. He paid it for us. Therefore, we must forgive others as He has forgiven us.