Forgiveness
If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”’ John 20:23
Reflection
Jesus preached a crucial
message about forgiving our brothers/sisters, as God forgave us. We stand in
grace, and He expects us to keep our hearts pure toward others, not holding
grudges or harbouring a spirit of unforgiveness, especially after He gave us such
undeserved love and forgiveness at such a high personal cost to Himself. He
expects us to forgive others 70 times 7 times (Matthew
18:22). When we share Jesus with others, we tell them that Jesus
came to save and seek the lost and forgive sins. When we ask Jesus into our
lives we give him our brokenness, guilt and shame. We are made free because of
what He did on the cross. It doesn’t feel good in our hearts when we hold anger
towards someone. It can fester into something ugly.
Response
Light a candle. Watch the flame flicker for a while. Close your eyes. Breath in the spirit and let go of all that hinders you. Pray for those who have hurt you. Seek forgiveness for the pain you have caused others. Write a letter to them, phone them or even better, tell them you are sorry. Purify you inner life. Draw close to him and he will draw close to you. (James 4.8)
