There seems to be something missing in the world around us. People are so focused on themselves, not wanting to be taken advantage of and making sure they get what is theirs. Too often, we find it easier to hold onto grudges, then letting go. We keep bringing to mind hurts and wrongs done to us many years ago.
Forgiveness is the missing piece the world needs.
As Christians, Jesus tells us to forgive. He includes it in our instructions on how to pray, found in Matthew 6 (CEB),
7 “When you pray, don’t pour out a flood of empty words, as the Gentiles do. They think that by saying many words they’ll be heard. 8 Don’t be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask. 9 Pray like this:
Our Father who is in heaven,
uphold the holiness of your name.
10 Bring in your kingdom
so that your will is done on earth as it’s done in heaven.
11 Give us the bread we need for today.
12 Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you,
just as we also forgive those who have wronged us.
13 And don’t lead us into temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.
Do you know what he says in the next verses? Our forgiveness is tied to us forgiving others.
14 “If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you don’t forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your sins.
Jesus is able to say this because He showed us what it means to forgive. Remember the words He spoke over the crowd of people gathered to watch Him die on the cross. Not only were they watching Him die on the cross, they helped put Him there. They shouted, “Crucify Him!”
In response, Jesus prays to God,
33 When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” They drew lots as a way of dividing up his clothing. (Luke 23, CEB)
Thankfully Jesus chooses to forgive us. When we know the depth of His grace for us, the only response that makes sense is for us to forgive others too.
Blessings,
Pastor Matt
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