FORGIVENESS (Part 1)

"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." - Mk 11:25-26

In the book of Matthew 7:12, the Lord Jesus gave the golden rule of living with others. He said: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets". We all offend! We all desire to be forgiven as we offend others! But why should it then be a difficult thing among men to forgive others who offend them? I cannot understand!

           Some say that unforgiveness stems from selfishness in men.They desire to be treated in a manner they are not prepared to treat others. Others say that it is the product of the devil in men, for he never forgives!

        Yet, God preaches forgiveness to us. To Him, it's so very vital as it is in His nature so to do. As humans, we sin against God and we plead for His forgiveness (Matthew 6:12). Already, in Christ, God has forgiven everyone, even the vilest of offenders!

              But the Lord Jesus made it clear to us that if we are to be recipients of God's forgiveness, we should be prepared to forgive others who wrong us (Matthew 6:12, 14; 18:35; Mark 11:25-26). Therefore, unforgiveness is a dangerous attitude as it robs us of God's mercy and forgiveness. On account of this, many languish in hell!

            As we all desire to be with Jesus in heaven, let's make mercy and forgiveness our way of life. According to Martin Luther King Jnr, " Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is an attitude ". So therefore, forgive in order " that your  Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses " (Mark 11:25).

Have a fruitful day!

PRAYER

Dearest Heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving me in Christ Jesus. I receive grace to forgive others who offend me, no matter their offense in Jesus name.