The second attribute that Jesus emphasized and demonstrated throughout His life lived on Earth was the paramount concept of forgiveness. So what is true forgiveness? Forgiveness is in essence, to be in right standing with someone. True be told, we are unconditional forgiven by God Himself for every single past mistake, current mistake and future mistake that we haven’t even made yet. Jesus is the model for how we should also unashamedly treat those around us who do us wrong as well. The correct response is always, forgiveness.
2) Forgiveness
-Matthew 18:21 KJV-
“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
Jesus expresses that the amount of times we are called to forgive our family, friends, loved ones and those that wronged us; knows no limits. The premise of this, is because Jesus has forgiven us innumerable times and is always ready to forgive us again and again. Jesus loves to forgive us of our sins, because the sooner we forgive those that have wronged us, the sooner we can have a “right relationship” with them again. As soon as forgiveness takes place, love is restored, intimacy is restored, closeness is restored and the relationship begins to deepen once again. Forgiveness becomes the catalyst for relationships to be moving in a right and Godly direction once more. Forgiveness unlocks the blessings of God into our lives and also in the lives of those around us! Jesus has so much freedom in store for us, so for this reason, He calls us to forgive!!!
-Colossians 3:13 NKJV-
“bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.“
Another benefit of forgiveness stems from the fact that the sooner you can forgive someone, the sooner you can experience peace yourself. Holding onto hate and unforgiveness not only blocks the healing process of the relationship, but on the flip side, also protects an individual’s personal heart and mind from the negative emotions that unforgiveness manifests inside our own spirit- negative emotions that Jesus never intended for us to exist and live in.
It’s an other-worldly Heavenly concept to forgive people again and again, however this is the plan that God has for our lives. If we strive for Godliness, then we must always practice forgiveness- endlessly- until we meet Jesus Himself. Forgiveness is not just a word, but a spiritual concept that we must constantly contend with and seek after continually.
Let’s examine ourselves and strive to constantly forgive those around us to demonstrate our love for them and the love that the Lord has for them too. Let’s also show God the love we have for Him, as we follow His word and love the very same people He died to save!
Be blessed loved ones!
Lifted Vision Ministry 