Ephesians 4:32(NIV)
Be kind and compassionate to one
another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Dear friends, Forgiveness is one of the most important aspects
of the Christian life. Jesus Christ came in to this world, took up our sins on
Himself and was crucified so that God could forgive our sins and impart His
righteousness to us. Our God is holy and righteous, and so cannot permit any
sinner to enter heaven. But He also loves us and does not want to punish us for
our sins. So, in order to justify us, and make us worthy to enter His kingdom,
He sent his own Son to bear our sins and our shame once and for all. It is the
Grace of God that provided this way out for us to be restored to Him. Once we
accept and believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary for our sins,
and we acknowledge our sins and repent sincerely in prayer, we stand forgiven
in the sight of God.
But Jesus also said that in order for God to forgive our sins, we too need to forgive one another. Most of us say the Lord's prayer (Mathew 9 :13) everyday, sometimes even without pausing and thinking about what we are saying. After teaching the disciples how to pray, Jesus also admonishes them in verses (14-15) - For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
This can be seen in the parable, from the Bible, of a
certain king who dealt with his servants in Mathew18:23-35. At the end of the parable, Jesus says in verse 35:
“This is how my heavenly Father will
treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
I would like to share with you a story of forgiveness that I can never forget. My mother
passed away during my teen years. Whenever I think about her, the most vivid
memory I have of her is about her forgiving character. Her mother in law, my
grandmother, was the typical stereotype of the tyrannical mother in law. She
used to blame and accuse my mother without any cause and slander her in front
of family and friends. But my mother never defended herself nor spoke back to
her. I have never heard her speak ill of my grandmother either in front of her
or behind her back. On the other hand, she took care of all her needs without
complaining. My mother passed away when she was only 42, before my grandmother,
and till her last day she ensured that my grandmother lacked nothing. My mother practically lived out her life in
forgiveness. It was not for a day or two but for a major part of her married
life. She forgave my grandmother, so that we could have peace in our family. I
was young at that time, but now realize the greatness of her sacrifice as she
kept quiet without retaliating, so that my father and we children could
experience peace and happiness in our life. She loved God and I know she was able
to forgive only because of the grace of God and with the help of the Holy
Spirit.
Now, I too sometimes face difficulties in my relationships.
When I feel hurt and depressed, I often think of my mother. This has proved so
valuable to me. I am learning to be forgiving, patient, understanding and to
love others, even at times, when it is difficult to do so in my own
strength. I can say from experience that when we harbor unforgiveness, we do not have peace and we hurt ourselves more than the person who hurt
us. But when we forgive, we feel free and there is peace within us.
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