Good morning,
The gift of forgiveness
Those of us who are living in America have been following the news of our government’s battle between two groups of leaders who are battling with one another. Sadly, one of the groups has been very determined that the president is their enemy and must be removed from his office. The level of anger is something that is new even to those of us who have been living for a very long time. However, this isn’t that new when we look back in history. Back in the Old Testament King David wrote, Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins. See how many enemies I have and how viciously they hate me!(Ps.25:18,19) Then when we look back to Jesus, the Son of God, we see that while he lived on earth with us, he was constantly faced with hatred from the time he was born. When Jesus began his ministry in Israel he was faced with constant hatred by Satan and the leading religious leaders of his day. When he was asked to heal a paralyzed man he shocked these leaders by saying, "My child, your sins are forgiven.”(Mk.2:5) He knew that they were thinking, This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!”(v.7) So he asked them, Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man 'Your sins are forgiven,' or 'Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.(vs.9,10) Then he sent the man home. The anger that kept growing up against him didn’t stop him from doing what he was sent to say and do.
Later when his followers asked him to teach them to pray he included, forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.(Mat.6:12) Then when the prayer was finished he added,"If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.(vs.14,15) Jesus knew why he had come. He came to do in love what no person could do. He had come to forgive all of our sins, and wanted all those who would be saved to offer the same loving forgiveness that God had for all mankind. Even when he was nailed to that cruel cross and went through the agony of paying for all our sins, Jesus loved us so much that he cried out to his Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing.(Lk.23:34) As soon as he arose from the dead, he showed his love and forgiveness to his followers in a way that they would never forget. He lived what he taught. What a gift.
Jesus is our Savior, but he is also our High Priest. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. (Hb.4:15) So now as God’s children we are told, Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.(Col.3:13) What God will do in us is help us to blossom when we are hated because of his love for us and our love for Him and them. He also tells us, Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.(Hb.12:15) The Lord knows that our Enemy will do his very best to forget his dangerous attacks. Finally there is one more important thing we should be doing. Lord, please help us to remember this wonderful gift. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.(Rom.8:28)
1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
Roy Wisner
