Offenses and trespasses come daily. There isn’t one place you can go on this earth where there will not be something said or done to you that may be unjust, mean, disrespectful or inconsiderate. This is the nature of the world we live in (but we are not a part of as believers). It’s human nature to relaliate or try to defend your own integrity by snapping back or responding to offenses. We often feel like it’s our right to defend ourselves and build walls against those who have hurt us or offended us in some way.
How much more could Jesus have defended himself on the Cross against those who tortured and crucified Him? He was being killed at the hands of men whom He came to save–simply because they didn’t believe that He was (and is) God. A stranger cutting you off in traffic pales in comparison to an innocent man being tortured and put to death. Christ could have responded in rage and cursing (as many of us often do with simple offenses).
Despite the horrors carried out against Him, He purposed to forgive. He could not be a perfect sacrifice for the world holding on to offense. In fact, He overcame offense and injustice on the Cross. It was necessary in overcoming “the world” so that we too are made over comers through the blood of Christ. (Remember, every victory in Christ belongs to us, it’s part of His finished work). They mocked Him and scorned Him, shouting insults and accusations. He was beaten, pierced and bloodied. Yet and still, He cried out to the Father to forgive them. In Luke 23:24, “Then said Jesus, Father, FORGIVE them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
His forgiveness was the final demonstration of His love. For us, forgiveness not only demonstrates that same love, but it also releases us from a heavy burden harboring injustice and offense. When we forgive, God is faithful and just to forgive us our own trespasses. (Mark 6:14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.) Forgiveness gives us a clean slate. It places everything concerning us back into the hands of God who is our ultimate caretaker. We have no need to retaliate, to punish or to enact justice for ourselves. The Lord is then given license to fight our battles.
The act of forgiveness creates atmosphere for blessings to manifest openly. When you forgive, you actively and consciously cancel the debt of those who have offended you in some way. Those offenders are released of their obligation to you and you allow the Lord to repay you for anything that was lost whether it be emotional, physical, spiritual or material. His repayment is greater than anything man can ever fathom.
As we take refuge (aid, relief, recourse, escape) in our heavenly Father, much like Christ did on the Cross, we operate fully under the protection of His shadow (His holy presence). Forgiveness allows you full access to all of His benefits without injustice and strife permeating in your heart–having ought against any man. By forgiving others, we allow God to restore, renew and recompense on our behalf. As our heavenly Father, He wants that open door to deliver healing to us of any wounds or heartbreak. Letting go and forgiving submits those wounds to God. Forgiveness absolves others of owing us anything and ushers in our own personal healing. Living in unforgiveness creates a burden on us that we can’t get rid of until we purpose to forgive.
Jesus wants us to cast our cares on Him. We were not made to carry heavy burdens. He tells us in 1 Peter 5:7, “…casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” Give Him everything that concerns you including the offenses that create strife and unrest in your heart. The ure of unforgiveness is not what God wants for us. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence]. Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.”
Forgiveness is unselfish. Forgiveness is an exercise in love–even toward those who harm you. The act of forgiveness is a demonstration of the fruit of the Spirit. When we truly forgive, we exhibit the very nature of our new birth in Christ and we exemplify our purpose in Him. The heart of the Kingdom of God makes itself known through us in our selfless acts of love and forgiveness. “So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive. Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others]. Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].”–Colossians 3:12-17 (AMP)
Live in true love and come together purposing to forgive.
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