Have You Forgiven Today?
4 years ago Evangelical Ministry 4
The world is filled with people who, on daily basis offend us either intentionally or inadvertently.
It is a common occurence in our daily experience, be it in our offices, in market, in school, on the roads, in family, and even in the church.
We ourselves are not saints either. We also offend others. God knows this will always arise. So, He gives us the grace of forgiveness.
What Is Forgiveness?
Forgiveness can be defined as an individual voluntary internal process of letting go of feelings of recentment and anger and the need for vengeance and retribution for offences committed against him or her.
How Many Wrongs Should We Forgive?
In the Scripture, God calls us to forgive those who offends us. Not just for one or two or three offences, but for all wrongs done to us.
“When we fail to forgive it breeds in us bitterness, grudge”.
God himself started the process of forgiveness in the garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve sinned, he did not condemn them to their disobedience, but He forgave them by sending His son Jesus Christ to come and die for us all (Lk 23:34).
As christians, we are not assured of a life that is free of conflict. Occassions of sin is bound to occur every now and then. When anyone who sins against us asks for our forgiveness, we must forgive as we have no choice (Lk 17:1-3).
Practical Acts of Forgiveness:
1. Joseph forgave his brothers (Gen 17:14)
2. David forgave king Saul even when God delivered Saul into his hands (2 Samuel 16:8)
3. Solomon adviced us to go beyond forgiveness but also do good to those who offend us (Prov 25:21).
4. Jesus emphasises the need for forgiveness as a necessary condition to attract God’s blessings (Mtt 6:5-13)
5. Stephen forgave even at the point of his death (Acts 7:1ff)
Conclusion
For this Christisn life to be profitable, we must take time to reflect on how well we have forgiven.
As God’s chosen ones, we must put on heart-felt compassion, be patient with others, bear with one another, show forgiveness to one another.
When we forgive otheso, our sins will also be forgiven by God and divine blessings, open doors will be released upon us.
Forgiveness closess doors of darkness in our lives and gives us access to etetnal life.
(Adapted from Message given by Sis (Dr.) Purity Ndubuisi during the 2021 21-Day Prayer Programme of Awka Diocesan CCRN)
4 comments
Obinna Onwuka Apr 15, 2021 at 7:59 am
Lord, give the grace to always forgive others. Lord, let me not bear grudges. I pray in Jesus name. Amen
ReplyVivian Onwuka Apr 15, 2021 at 8:02 am
To err is human, to forgive is divine. Let’s always show that divine aspect of our lives.
Let’s forgive those who tresspass against us. Let’s do this always.
ReplyBenneth Obi Apr 15, 2021 at 8:48 pm
As God always forgives us, we should also forgive one another.
ReplyBenneth Obi Apr 15, 2021 at 8:48 pm
As God always forgives us, we should also forgive one another.
Reply