Forgiveness

 N.T. #64 "Forgiveness"

May 8, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 10

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (verses 14-15)

LET IT GLOW

Jesus goes beyond the mere outward conformity to the law to the inward conviction of the spirit. He gives us instructions for us as to how we should give, pray, fast, and serve. Verse 1-5 concerns giving alms and verses 5-15 deals with prayer. Verses 16-18 speak about fasting and verses 19-24 on serving.

Previously, we have learned about giving and praying. Jesus wraps up this section with why we are to forgive others. Do we consider ourself a forgiving person? Yet, sometimes there can be one that we struggle to forgive. I have had them in my own life. But when we consider God forgave our most grievous sin and rebellion against Him, it was for us sinners Christ died. (Rom. 5:8) So how can we refuse to forgive those who hurt and sinned against us?

Forgiveness is a choice. Jesus chose to forgive those who ruthlessly and mockingly nailed Him to a cross. (Luke 23:34)

Jesus said that the measure in which we are forgiving is the same standard God will use in forgiving us. God has established in His Word the standards He accepts and expects for us. Would you want God to forgive you in the same way you are presently forgiving others? (Blackaby)

We do not want to miss out on God's forgiveness because we are not forgiving others. To forgive is to hold a grudge no longer, not to seek retribution, Since we all need God's forgiveness regularly, we must not withhold it from others. If we do, we'' lose out on fellowship with God. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GROW

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesian 4:32)

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (Colossians 3:13)

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. (Luke 11:4)

And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. (Luke 17:4)

Look at this: When we don't forgive others, we are denying our common ground as sinners in need of God's forgiveness. His forgiveness is based on our realizing what forgiveness means. Have I forgiven others who have wronged me? If so, then we can ask God to forgive us.

We all stumble, fall, blunder, and slip much too often. sometimes others do not ask our forgiveness and never will. That is when it is up to us to forgive them. Perhaps we are the one who needs to go to them and ask their forgiveness. 

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

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. (Mark 11:25) 

LET IT GO

Jesus, Your love is amazing; Your forgiveness is amazing.

Help me forgive those who keep hurting me.

Make me more like You, Jesus.