"Without a sincere heart of forgiveness towards others, and
the blessed forgetfulness of God in you, you can never heal."
Every good and perfect gift comes from God. (James 1:17) If there were ever a more perfect gift, forgiveness would be it. For without it, in Christ, we would never see God.
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 NKJV
Our desire should always be — day-by-day, closer and closer to our time ending here on this Earth — to walk and breathe in the Spirit of God our Father and His Son. (John 14:23) It is only when They bear fruit through us that whatever we do is perfect. (John 15:5) When we forgive outside of that, sure once maybe twice forgiving someone might seem easy or tolerable. But for how long can we do so on our own strength? Our level of love for that person, if any, may drive the longevity of our tolerance. But without God, our best intentions will eventually dry up.
How do we deal with offenses done to us? (Matthew 18:21-22) How about offenses dealt by those NOT close to us? Do we write them off in our hearts and say, “Hope I never see that person again!”? What about our heart’s condition after someone comes asking you for forgiveness? Do we forgive, but remain bitter? Do we say with our mouths, “I forgive", but in our hearts say, "but I won’t trust that person again!”?? Did Christ hold bitterness towards those murdering Him on the cross when He cried out, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do!"?? (Luke 23:34) Simply put, does God treat you with bitterness after you have offended Him and then come asking Him for forgiveness? But what is His response toward you?
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12 NKJV
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“Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17b NKJV
The act of forgiving someone is to share the gift of forgiveness first given to you. When you forgive, determine in your heart to share the same forgiveness granted to you from God through Christ. Only then will the act of your forgiving someone cleanse the offense and heal your broken heart. Without a sincere heart of forgiveness towards others, and the blessed forgetfulness of God in you, you can never heal.
Lastly, do not chase people down offering to forgive them. Your forgiveness is a pearl of great price that should not be so freely tossed into the air to a potentially unrepented heart. (Matthew 7:6) Let God work through the hearts of those that offended you. (Psalm 37:7) Let God work in them remorse that is born through the conscience and His prompting. (Romans 2:15) Be patient. (James 1:4) Let them come to you even if it costs you more than just that one person's absence, maybe costing you not able to see others connected to them. Your reward will be great if you stand in the strength and patience of Christ. Let God have His time no matter the price, loneliness, or hardship thrust upon you. If they never come to repentance, trust God will take care of you and your broken heart in the end.
“The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:18 NKJV
Always be ready for the day those that offended you come knocking. Be ready, in and out of season! (2 Timothy 4:2) Know that the God of Comfort will be your comfort while you wait. (Romans 15:5)
God bless you in Christ Jesus the Lord, always.
* Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
* Article itself Copyright © 2020 by WordwaswithGod.com
* Links to verses provided by BibleGateway.com