Forgiveness -- part 1

Mothers of Nations, the topic of forgiveness is one that is always beneficial for us as believers to revisit from time to time. As we move through our life’s journey, there are always situations that arise where we must make choices to forgive or not to forgive. These choices impact our lives bringing freedom or bondage. It is critical to understand and remember the power of forgiveness and how to walk in it daily. For the next few weeks, let’s share some thoughts about the topic of forgiveness and how it relates to the quality of our lives.

Jesus taught on forgiveness multiple times as He ministered here on earth. Let’s look at Matthew 6: 14-15 (NKJV) as we get started. ¹⁴ “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵ But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

We find in these Scriptures an “IF – THEN” situation. IF we forgive others of their trespasses, THEN our Father will also forgive us. Forgiveness is presented here as conditional and the first action that needs to take place must come from us.

Clearly stated, God is saying that we are to forgive. Period.

And what exactly are we to forgive? Here it states we are to forgive the “trespasses” of others that have come against us in one way or another. What would be a few examples of these types of “trespasses?”

•  Injuries, hurts, pains that have come to us whether reckless or willful sins.
•  Something that has been taken or stolen from us such as a job, a promotion, an idea, an opportunity.
•  Someone that has broken relationship with us such as a friend, family member, etc.
•  Rumors, gossip, fake news, false reports, etc. that have been spoken about us that are cruel, hurtful, crushing.
•  Emotional, physical or spiritual evil that has been brought upon us through abuse, sexual assault, physical harm, etc.

Our world today is drowning in a sea of “trespasses” that bombard us with opportunities to forgive or not forgive. Jesus speaks again about forgiveness as it relates to end times in Matthew 24: 4-14 (NKJV). Let’s look at what He has to say.

⁴ And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. ⁵ For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. ⁶ And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. ⁷ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of sorrows."

⁹ “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. ¹⁰ And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. ¹¹ Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. ¹² And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. ¹³ But he who endures to the end shall be saved. ¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

From these verses we can discern there can be multiple fronts on which offense and “trespass” can come to us. Relating to us in the world we live in today, these could include:

• Leaders against leaders
• False Christs
• Wars and rumors of war
• Senate against House and House against Senate
• Conservatives against Liberals and Liberals against Conservatives
• Christians against non-Christians and non-Christians against Christians
• Christians against Christians
• People groups against other people groups
• Races against races
• Nations against nations

None of this should surprise us. We know that the last days will  be difficult and most certainly our world today is characterized by many of these conflicts now. As just one example, I remember being in South Africa and visiting a museum dedicated to the life of Nelson Mandela. He had been imprisoned for 27 years for his beliefs and when he was released he moved on to lead the nation of South Africa as President. His life was an example of learning and living the process and power of forgiveness. Seeing the people of his country dealing with the pain, hate, and anger of racism, he endeavored to set the example of forgiveness and the freedom and healing that forgiveness brings.

As we close today, why don’t we each take a few moments and ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and remind us of any areas where we are harboring unforgiveness. Make a decision today to forgive, no matter the situation. Take action and see how the Lord can bring healing and freedom to your life.

Dr. Sharon Predovich