Lots of us think Forgiveness is kindness to the other person. "I am doing you a favor by forgiving you." But in actuality, forgiveness is more for ourselves. It allows us to have a good night's rest. We can free our heart and our mind from bitter thoughts and thoughts of revenge. Forgiveness is a very important theme in the Bible. When asked by Peter, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Matthew 18:21. Jesus, responded, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." Matthew 18:22. That is 490 times. So remember, until someone wrongs you 491 times, according to the Bible, you need to forgive them. And if you actually are forgiving them, then each time, you need to start counting at "1." So, the Bible teaches us to perpetually forgive. Jesus was born, lived and died with one central purpose: to pay the price for human sin. He died so that we may be forgiven our wrongs. He took the penalty of our sins upon Himself so that we may be pardoned. And, God's forgiveness is complete. The Bible tells us that "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:7. Similarly, God commands each and every one of us to forgive. We have to remember that God has called us to love. And in love, there is no record kept of wrongdoing. I Corinthians 13:5 (NIV). Love forgives. Thus, if someone wrongs us, no matter if we have the right to wrong them back, God has called us to forgive. God will take care of the problem. He we avenge the wrong that has been done to you. He is watching. And He will take care of His children. Trust Him. The concept of forgiveness is something that many of us agree with. But actually putting it into action is sometimes more difficult. It is often difficult to set aside those feelings of hurt and animosity that we have kept inside for so long. It is difficult to let go of the past. As you are trying to forgive, try these things: 1. Go to the Lord for help 2. Apologize to the person you are trying to forgive 3. Actively change your thoughts A teacher once told each of her students to bring a clear plastic bag and a sack of potatoes to school. For every person they refused to forgive in their life's experience, they chose a potato, wrote on it the name and date, and put it in the plastic bag. Some of their bags were quite heavy. They were then told to carry this bag with them everywhere for one week, putting it beside their bed at night, on the car seat when driving, next to their desk at work. The hassle of lugging this around with them made it clear what a weight they were carrying spiritually, and how they had to pay attention to it all the time to not forget and keep leaving it in embarrassing places. Naturally, the condition of the potatoes deteriorated to a nasty smelly slime. This was a great metaphor for the price we pay for keeping our pain and heavy negativity! Too often we think of forgiveness as a gift to the other person, and it clearly is for ourselves! So why not begin to forgive today? For more information or prayer, email JesusBrandedDelhi@gmail.com or Like us on Facebook. If you are blessed by this message, like it, comment and share it.
