|
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| Forgiveness is imperative! |
|
| |
As he hung dying, Jesus asked the Father to forgive people who had not even sought forgiveness, the very ones responsible for his agonizing pain... 23:34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." What kind of crazy example is that?? Forgiving people can be hard enough when they do ask! But before they ask? (And some never ask.) Even while they still think they're right? While they still think they're....justified?? Must we forgive even in the midst of our agony? Can't we just get over the pain first?
When I thought about that, it was almost as if Jesus was asking the Father to forgive me, every time I sin, for driving the nails deeper into his hands and feet. At least he understands that I don't know what I'm doing. 3:13 Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
What the Lord expects of us should be clear.
So what is the hardest thing to forgive? Lying? Disrespect? Insult? Theft? Betrayal? Personal injury? Even though I'm sure God understands how difficult it can be, he tells us to forgive them all, and more.
But what if a guest in our house quietly went into the bedroom and murdered our child, as she lay innocently napping??? Could we ever forgive such a heinous crime? What might we call a person who is capable of such treachery? A heartless monster? A psychopath, severely detached from all faculties of reason???
Aren't we, who know Jesus' great sacrifice, similar to the murderous guest, when we have accepted all we have from God, then harbor unforgiveness? The only perfectly innocent human being ever to live, more innocent than any child, was mercilessly murdered, and we, knowing it was our sin that put him on the cross, refuse to forgive? How must that Father feel?
I'm beginning to understand what a grave sin it is to harbor unforgiveness. |
|
| To leave a comment or start your own blog: |
 |
or |
 |
Already a member? Login |
|
|
|
|
Mike, you have certainly delivered a powerful message here. I was doing okay in the first couple of paragraphs. Sitting here rather righteously thinking upon your statement "So what is the hardest thing to forgive? Lying? Disrespect? Insult? Theft? Betrayal? Personal injury? " and patting myself on the back, you go girl you've forgiven all those things. Then low and behold you went to But what if a guest in our house quietly went into the bedroom and murdered our child, as she lay innocently napping??? Could we ever forgive such a heinous crime? What might we call a person who is capable of such treachery? A heartless monster? A psychopath, severely detached from all faculties of reason??? Humility began to come in self-righteousness seeping out and I had to reevaluate. We are to forgive the person not the act. Easier said than done. I will pray for a forgiving heart. A heart like Jesus who forgave when He was sinless.
Thanks for the message. |
|
|
He also said He would forgive AS we forgive others
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Mat 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Mat 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Mar 11:25 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.
|
|
|
Gene |
 |
March 12, 2008 at 9:17pm |
|
Forgiveness was the most important thing that Jesus did to turn the world upside down.
We must follow His example and extend forgiveness as well. But we must always remember to receive His forgiveness. Sometimes it's easier to forgive others than yourself. Forgiveness is for all, equally and openly. |
|
|
| Mike...buddy, I needed this one too tonight. I have been counseling with a couple of women that are in the midst of forgiveness issues. It has been so hard at times to find the right words. This helps! And I will tell you....I have read a lot...but for some reason...this blog is just speaking plain and clear to me tonight. And Cheryl...I echo your comment. I was doing good at the beginning too. I need to spend some time on my face tonight. Search me Oh God! |
|
|
14Let the words of my mouth and (A)the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, (B)my rock and my (C)Redeemer. I have to admit I often have to search for bitterness or unforgiveness as they are definately poison for the soul. Thanks for the post Mike. |
|
|
| Great blog Mike. I think that forgiveness is in many ways an opportunity to bestow the same grace to the offender that we have received through Jesus Christ. I find this hard to do sometimes. However, the reward of freedom is worth it. Thanks for the reminder! |
|
|
| Powerful indeed... thanks for your thoughts... |
|
|
R |
|
March 13, 2008 at 4:32am |
|
Hey Mike, I realize this is going to go against the grain, but here is what this made me think of. Jesus said, "take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him (Luke 17:3)." Rebuking is hard also, and done even less in my opinion. No one wants to judge and no one wants to rebuke. And I also note Our Lord said that if the person repents... then, I am to forgive him. However, there seem to be people who take the words of Our Lord talking to His Father as He was dying on the cross, as words that they should live by? Why? Should the child molester who does not repent be set free, instead of being put to death? I know the answer, "we live in America." Of course they are not going to put this person to death. They are going to stick them into prison for 6 months or less, so that they will be fed, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Yes, but in other countries where there is less crime what would they do? Put the person to death. I remember Columbine. Some guy made crosses for the kids who were murdered and then he made crosses for the two shooters. They were immediately taken down by the father of one boy because he said, "those kids aren't going to Heaven, they will be in Hell. You are not going to lump them together with these innocent victims." And in my opinion, he is right. R... |
|
|
| good word thanks for sharing |
|
|
Cheryl, thank you - that's what these thoughts did to me...brought me to a point of introspection and humility...yes, there are people I thought I'd forgiven, simply b/c I don't think bad thoughts about them (anymore). I'm getting better though, by God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit inside this sinner.
Gary...fabulous point, which only adds to the gravity of our need to forgive. I also considered adding Jesus' concluding thoughts from the parable of the unmerciful servant, but decided to keep this at an easily digestible length.
Gene - excellent - for many of us it really is "easier to forgive others than yourself." Which of course cheapens what Jesus accomplished for all. Is his sacrifice sufficient or isn't it?
|
|
|
Valarie -- that is so appreciated. I think we all have forgiveness issues. I still can't fully comprehend the depth of God's love and forgiveness....probably never will, till I'm a member of the glory choir in heaven! I've meet ppl who don't even realize they struggle w/forgiveness, but to hear them talk about those they have a problem with, you can hear in their words and tone that they haven't forgiven. He that takes revenge refuses to forgive -- I know a guy who often retaliates against his wife, he just doesn't comprehend the depth of forgiveness which he's received! It is sad to behold....
Dave, bitterness can go very deep. It's funny we can live w/bitterness and not even know it...until that person comes along again and triggers a resurgence. Many of us have bitterness issues - it's good to do the self search! |
|
|
| wow.... I can preach it myself, but do I really have an unforgiving heart? When the tables are turned on us sometimes its hard to stand upright and walk and live righteous and do what Jesus would do. If you would have asked me before I read this,,,, Tammy, do you have a forgiving heart, I would have instantly said yes. My goodness, its frightening to think about the things I may not be prepared to forgive. Please pray for me. My eyes were just opened to yet another area in my spiritual growth that I need major work in. Thank you so very much Mike. "Lord please help me to have a forgiving heart.. NOMATTER what it is that I need to forgive, I am here by grace alone, help me to realize and appreciate that every single day." |
|
|
Thanks Pastor Tim, Ed, and Keith!!
R - I think your remarks are more in reference to social justice than personal forgiveness. I can't disagree with you at all. Light penalties for crime do little to discourage future crime or redress wrongs societally. This can cause a great deal of cynicism towards the "(in)justice" system. |
|
|
Cheryl |
|
March 13, 2008 at 5:30am |
|
| Mike, what a blessing..thanks for your thoughts and the truth. The truth will set us free~ |
|
|
Tammy, thanks very much for commenting! I will pray for you....and ask you to pray for me too! I believe we all struggle w/forgiveness, we all have our own "buttons" that the devil leads people to push. It's when we intentionally withhold forgiveness, believing we have a right to hold out for restitution, reparation, apology, or whatever, that we are in the greatest danger!
Thanks Cheryl! :-) |
|
|
Amen! so many times I have been fooled by that devil and made to believe that I had some kind of right to hold a grudge, or withhold forgivness,and whats worse.... to people I love, and it was never even somthing as tragic as your example. I thank God for humbleing me and revealing my heart to me. Mike, you are really stimulating my brain, and heart. I need these regular
"check-ups" so I can stay healthy with the Lord. You are in my prayers Mike, I will ask the Lord to make you a " diligent and effective forgiver" thanks again! |
|
|
R |
|
March 13, 2008 at 8:50am |
|
Hey Mike, Please answer this question and then that will tell me if I'm understanding your article right or not. Should we forgive those who do not repent? If you think so, how do you get around the words of Our Lord in Luke 17:3? R... |
|
|
| If he repents, forgive him, Luke 17:4 And if he sin against thee seven times in the day, and seven times turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. If he refuses to repent, take him before the church.Mat 18:15 And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. Mat 18:16 But if he hear thee not, take with thee one or two more, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may be established. Mat 18:17 And if he refuse to hear them, tell it unto the church: and if he refuse to hear the church also, let him be unto thee as the Gentile and the publican. Mat 18:18 Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Mat 18:19 Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. Ultimately, it is up to us to forgiveJohn 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Spirit: John 20:23 whose soever sins ye forgive, they are forgiven unto them; whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.Taken in context, He is forgiving the soldiersLuke 23:33 And when they came unto the place which is called The skull, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Luke 23:34 And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots. |
|
|
R- Your first comment seemed to largely speak to societal issues of crime and punishment: "Should the child molester who does not repent be set free, instead of being put to death?" Forgiveness should not be a substitute for criminal penalties, we seem to agree. On a personal level, it's just as important to note what Luke 17:3 says as it is to note what it does not say. What it does not say is "if he doesn't repent, don't forgive him." Jesus, the apostles, and even Moses told us our interactions with others should be on the basis of love for them. We are told that love "keeps no record of wrong". If we are to wait for every person who wrongs us to repent before forgiving, we would have to keep extensive records! Am I saying we are not to rebuke for sin? No, not at all. How that is done is another topic, perhaps one you could write about in your blog! One of my favorite parables is the one about the unmerciful servant - a major point being God has forgiven each of us so much (compared to a debt we could NEVER repay), we should almost be delighted to forgive others when they "transgress" against us. Thanks for your comments! |
|
|
| Thanks, I appreciate the clarification Gary! Since scripture seems somewhat vague, I chose to remain vague as well. But we can gather that Jesus forgave at least some (if not all) of those who were doing him harm. |
|
|
| I couldn't forgive someone who would kill my kid....but Jesus in me can. |
|
|
Lara, thanks. I was afraid my use of that analogy might sound flippant, I sure didn't mean to discount anyone's feelings. I don't really even want to consider how I would feel if that happened to one of my own children. It could destroy me. I agree, it would be Jesus in me that would be the source of any forgiveness, not me.
I really don't believe God gives us the option to deny forgiveness, even to such a person. What do we have in our hearts when we refuse to forgive? Should the evil of murder be countered with the evil of unforgiveness? (No, acc to Rom. 12:17 and 1 Pet 3:9) God says revenge belongs to him. Christ died for us while we were still sinners, not after we repented. Those who find it in them to forgive the murderer and rapist leave people scratching their heads and wondering where the strength came from. The right answer? God. |
|
|
Cheryl |
|
March 13, 2008 at 12:57pm |
|
| It is a Jesus thing and I saw that with my whole heart and from the many different situations that has happened in my life. We have control of our lives but sometimes things just happen that are out of our control. I have learned, God is always in control, no matter what life hands me.~ |
|
|
Cheryl, I believe you are right. To forgive when we don't want to is definitely "a Jesus thing"!
Gary, may I ask a question. Would Jesus' plea for forgiving those that "know not what they do" be any less significant if it were on behalf of the soldiers? Remember, the Roman soldiers were horribly cruel in their treatment of Jesus. Consider the way they treated him leading up to the crucifixion. They spat on him, mocked him, struck him repeatedly. They were brutal and merciless in carrying out the death sentence on Jesus. Their recorded behavior indicates they relished the task! |
|
|
Deb |
|
March 13, 2008 at 1:51pm |
|
| Mike, I have learned that forgiveness is not for the person who has wronged us. It is more important to note it is FOR US. If we can't forgive, we become bitter and our anger and hurt will never go away. Not just if we can't, but if we refuse to, because forgiveness is a CHOICE. Maybe not at first, but as time goes on and the hurt is not as bad, then we can choose to hang on to it, or let it go...it is our choice. Whether a person repents of what they did to us or not, really is not the issue. We still need to forgive...for our own well being as well as those around us. |
|
|
Gene |
|
March 13, 2008 at 5:13pm |
|
| To what Deb says. . . Amen! |
|
|
I agree with Deb as well Gene. I will leave a little quote here from author Guy Finley....
"There are those who will tell you why it is wise to never forget the pain of the past. . . but if you look closely at the anger, sorrow, and bitterness that has hardened their faces, then you will also see why learning to forgive is the better of the two paths." |
|
|
TIGERT |
|
March 13, 2008 at 7:37pm |
|
| ...... |
|
|
Deb, you are a wise wise lady! (As you show time and time again in your blogs.) Yes, the choice to hang on or let go does get easier as time goes on.
Gene, amen to your amen.
Tigert, .......... to your ...........
Valarie- that is indeed a great quote. In fact I had to read it several times to fully digest it. |
|
|
mike: i understand your question, but in what context what he stating the plea?
And the religious leaders and Sadducee's ) were already condemned by Him, so why would He then ask for forgiveness for them?
Mat 15:12Then came the disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying? Mat 15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant which my heavenly Father planted not, shall be rooted up. Mat 15:14 Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit.
Mat 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner; This was from the Lord, And it is marvelous in our eyes? Mat 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and shall be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. Mat 21:44 And he that falleth on this stone shall be broken to pieces: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will scatter him as dust. Mat 21:45 And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. at 21:46 And when they sought to lay hold on him, they feared the multitudes, because they took him for a prophet.
Mat 13:14 And unto them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall in no wise understand; And seeing ye shall see, and shall in no wise perceive: Mat 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest haply they should perceive with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And should turn again, And I should heal them. |
|
|
Mike....if I may.......
Christ, suffering and dying on the cross, stated that they didn't KNOW what they were doing. This to me implies very strongly that some day they WILL know the full extent of what they did. It will be at that time that they will repent. It says in Scripture that EVERY knee will eventually bow and EVERY TONGUE will confess that Jesus is their Savior
That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ~Philippians 2:10-11 (amp)
Just my 2 cents..... |
|
|
Gary, there are likely many ways to read into the context of Jesus' plea. I believe the important take-away for us in his plea is not the "WHO" to forgive, but the "WHEN". He forgave those who were doing him great harm, even as they were doing it!! As Romans 5:8 says, "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Valarie...you may!! And that's worth far more than 2 cents, more like $200. (lol) "some day they WILL know"...I see you're hitting upon the WHEN as well! |
|
|
Dena |
|
March 14, 2008 at 2:13pm |
|
Great Blog Mike! To add to Deb's insightful comment; my favorite Tyler Perry play is "Madea's Class Reunion". In it there is a discussion with a woman who has found a good man and is going to lose him because she is making him pay for all the bad things others have done to her in the past. She is still being manipulated by them because she has not forgiven them. Madea also points out that when you don't forgive people who have hurt you, even though some have long been dead and buried, it is you who is still suffering.
Forgiving someone can be a very difficult thing to do, but the anger, sorrow and bitterness you end up carrying around with unforgiveness weighs you down and robs you of your peace and joy. |
|
|
"She is still being manipulated by them because she has not forgiven them"
Dena, thanks for the observation from "Madea's Class Reunion". That's pretty fascinating, and very deep. When we refuse to forgive, the issue is never put to rest and our decisions, feelings, and behavior continues to be affected. One more reason to forgive, and at least put the issue to rest for ourselves! Great point! |
|
|
| true, so that we won't argue on how many angels can sit on the head of an angel, will leave it at that. I never liked straining for gnats anyways. |
|
|
| LOL... thanks Gary, well put brother! |
|
|
| Great blog, Mike! I have not had a chance to read all the comments, but this was very timely for me. I had an issue while at convention that really threw me. I made the choice to forgive, even though the person saw nothing wrong in her actions. I have had to continue to make that choice everytime the thoughts of the injustice and wrong committed came back up in my mind. Truth be told there were plenty of times this past week where I choose to stuff the emotions that came with those thoughts rather than commit it all to God again. Thanks for helping me keep it all in perspective! |
|
|
Mike, Scriptures teach us to forgive those who repent, and those who don't. Even those who scriptures say should be put "out from among us". Just because some have been "put out" doesn't clear our hearts.....forgiving them does.
There may still be criminal or civil penalties imposed by governments, but we are clear. They may even have to pay eternal penalties. The sin unto death we cannot forgive. All other we may, and should ! Such power, such grace !!
Lets say for example, someone steals from me........Jesus says to forgive......so I do. That doesn't mean I have to leave my wallet laying around. It means I should forgive him.
Lets say I give my heart to someone and they trash it. Jesus says to forgive them. He doesn't say I must give them my heart again.
We can do this...."through Christ which strengheneth us" !! ( I've been forgiven for a few things myself)
Excellent post ! |
|
|
Coreena, that's a great example of a situation where our decision to forgive (or not) will certainly impact us either negatively or positively, much moreso than affecting the person whom we are forgiving (or not). Glad you forgave, great example! I'm sure God is commending you in your heart.
Paul - you have an excellent perspective on forgiveness, in fact your comment could be the basis for an even better blog than this. Thanks for sharing that!! |
|
|
"a major point being God has forgiven each of us so much (compared to a debt we could NEVER repay), we should almost be delighted to forgive others when they "transgress" against us." Oh, i just loved that phrase Mike... it wud do us all so much of Gud to just rememeber that part! And Lol Lol..look at u n Gary go on and,then Gary says- "i never liked straining at Gnats anyway !" Oh lol..! :D |
|
|
It truly is a remarkable act that Christ did forgiving the very ones that crucified Him while He was being crucified! Truly this statement is true, "To err is human, to forgive is divine." Only Christ in us, gives us the ability to truly forgive others when they trespass against us. The one thing that the LORD has shown me that has helped me more than anything is that: "I am to be dead to self" Can a dead person be offended? Can a dead person have his feelings hurt? Of course not! So all I can do is be crucified with Christ and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God. I have a hard time forgiving, but Christ through me gives me the grace to forgive. Since I have been forgiven much, I have no choice but to forgive. Vengence belongs to the Father, it is better that I suffer injustice than to fight for my own rights.
This is a hard thing you spoke about. But isn't the grace and love of God tremendous? In that while I was still in my sin Christ died for me! Behold what manner of the love the Father has given unto us! That we should be called the Sons of God. |
|
|
| Brother Todd, a wonderful comment! You have summarized my thoughts and intent beautifully with several key statements, including this one: "...but Christ through me gives me the grace to forgive." And with you, I praise our Lord, for "while I was still in my sin Christ died for me!" All grace comes from God, and our inability to show personal grace to those sin against us reveals a hardness in our heart! |
|
|
More Posts from Mike n Laura
|
|
|
|
|
|
back to top
