Sincere Forgiveness

This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. Matthew 18:35

Forgiveness is a serious matter to the Lord. It is so significant that He gave His only son, Jesus, on a cruel Cross as forgiveness for our sins (John 3:16). Forgiveness wipes clean a debt that was impossible to pay: only the sinless One can forgive sin. Because of God’s mercy on us, He expects us to extend this unconditional grace to those who offend us. Gratitude has a long memory of His great grace. We forgive freely because God, through Christ, has forgiven us.

Sincere forgiveness gives us freedom. It frees us to be who God wants us to be. Forgiveness frees us from the need to pay back or heap guilt and condemnation on the one who hurt us. When we let go of anger, even bitterness, our emotional energy is free to comfort and care for the needs of others. A heart bound up in its own hurt cannot even care for itself. Indeed, forgiveness shifts our focus from the idol of self pity to the praise of God’s mercy.

We sin when we chose not to forgive. Furthermore, our fellowship with the Lord is stifled without sincere forgiveness. Our intimacy erodes without the clean slate of forgiveness from Christ. So, how can you know if you have truly forgiven someone who has hurt, even violated you? You begin to bless them instead of curse them. You talk well about them behind their back. You pray for them to grow in God’s grace. Forgiveness frees you to love well, and love often.

There is a risk involved in sincere forgiveness. Your offender may continue their disrespectful, potentially harmful behavior. They may take advantage of your kindness (just be reminded that kindness isn't weakness truly is show how strong God has really made you). Your forgiveness is no guarantee they will change, but you will change (and that is what God wants most). Christ will conform you into His work of grace, mercy and love. God will deal with the unruly ones in His timing. Their conscience is the Holy Spirit’s auditor who will bring them into account. Your sincere forgiveness reveals the heart of God.

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Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Worship with us Sundays at 10:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"