Forgiveness (Part 1)
Did you know that Forgiveness plays an important role in the life of the believer? But not just the believer, it is also relevant to the unbeliever too. What is forgiveness? Who should forgive? How can one forgive? Why is it so difficult to forgive? Why do people find it so difficult to seek forgiveness? An exploration of the Scriptures will answer these crucial questions.
Here are a few definitions of forgiveness “act of forgiving or pardon, state of being forgiven, disposition to pardon- a willingness to forgive”. “Forgiveness is a conscious decision to let go of resentment or vengeance towards someone who harmed you, without denying or forgetting the offense”. Forgiveness is an act of forgiving, or pardoning someone for an offense or wrongdoing”. “Forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment, bitterness or anger toward someone who has harmed you”. “Forgiveness does not mean reconciliation. One does not have to return to the same relationship or accept the same harmful behaviours from an offender”.
Forgiveness as defined in Scripture is where Yehovah (Jehovah or God) promises to cancel ones sin debt, but this is conditional on repentance. (sin is the transgression of Gods commandments /laws). In Matthew chapter 6 and verses 12, 14 and 15 it explains “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your father forgive your trespasses”.
Also in Matthew chapter 18 and verse 33 to 35 it states “Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his Lord was wroth and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses”.
Everyone needs forgiveness, not just from the Creator of the heavens and the earth, but also from each another. Unforgiveness is the refusal to set someone free from the burden of wrongdoing. According to the Scriptures, unforgiveness is a sin.
In Romans chapter 3 and verses 10 to 19 it outlines the following. “As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one. There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable, there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre, with their tongues they have used deceit, the poison of asps is under their lips, whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction and misery are in their ways and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God”.
Many do not realise that the “Law” is the Torah (or Instructions), which is the first 5 books of the Scriptures. Yehovah (Jehovah or God) has given us statutes, judgements and commandments to abide by for our righteousness.
Deuteronomy chapter 4 and verse 2 says “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you”.
This is also mentioned in Revelation chapter 22 and verse 18 and 19 “For I testify unto everyman that heareth the words of this prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God will add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life…”.
Yehovah wants us to obey his words of counsel as directed in the Scriptures for our good because they bring peace. Deuteronomy chapter 6 and verses 24 and 25 states “And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us”.
Moses wrote in Deuteronomy chapter 4 and verses 5 to 8, “Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgements, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land wither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them, for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God do nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgements so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?”. Only as one examines the commandments and law of God can we see our true state.
Also noted in Deuteronomy chapter 4 and verse 13 and 23, it clearly outlines “And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments, and he wrote them upon two tables of stone. Take heed to yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you…” (the covenant is the ten commandments).
Without the wisdom of Gods words, his commandments as outlined above, one cannot begin to comprehend what sin is (transgression of Gods law) and why there is a need for forgiveness.As Romans chapter 3 and verse 23 defines “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. All can receive forgiveness through the life, death and resurrection of Yeshua (Jesus). When one repents of sins, God will grant forgiveness through his son Yeshua.
In Colossians chapter 1 and verse 14 and 20 it mentions “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. And, having made peace through the blood of the cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself…”.
Also in Acts chapter 5 and verse 31 it says “Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins”. Acts chapter 13 and verse 38 explains “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins”. (this man is Yeshua / Jesus).
I hope you have learned more about the Scriptures. Next month I will continue with the theme of Forgiveness, part 2.
If you would like to know more, please contact Sandra on:
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