STANDING IN THE WAY OF FORGIVENESS

FORGIVENESS is not  an easy process--that was never a promise; however, we still must forgive AND ask for forgiveness. What makes forgiveness hard for both offenders and the offended is the same thing--PRIDE. Pride gets in the way of the process, and drags out what could heal and restore very simply if our ego's didn't get in the way. 

The offender doesn't want anyone to know that he is guilty of the offense--in fact, he doesn't mind if God knows, but God forbid men find him out! The offended is wallowing in pride as well, whenever he holds on to his anger and resentment because of what was done to HIM. Yes, it's all pride. I don't need to go to them; I can confess it to God; and why should I let them off the hook after they offended me so deeply?  What's  so wrong with this thinking???

1AND [Jesus] said to His disciples, Temptations (snares, traps set to entice to sin) are sure to come, but woe to him by or through whom they come!
    2It would be more profitable for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were hurled into the sea than that he should cause to sin or be a snare to one of these little ones [[a]lowly in rank or influence].
    3[b]Pay attention and always be on your guard [looking out for one another]. If your brother sins (misses the mark), solemnly tell him so and reprove him, and if he repents (feels sorry for having sinned), forgive him.
    4And even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and turns to you seven times and says, I repent [I am sorry], you must forgive him (give up resentment and consider the offense as recalled and annulled).
    5The apostles said to the Lord, Increase our faith (that trust and confidence that spring from our belief in God). (The Amplified Version)

According to Jesus, offenders don't just get to take their offenses against others to God alone--in the secret closet. They have to man up, and ASK for forgiveness--"I repent [I am sorry]", and offenders cannot say no, but must respond positively. Is it easy--no, because the disciples immediately said to Jesus in response, Lord, increase our faith! It takes great faith, to live a life of forgiveness. We think faith is for a mansion, a fine car, and millions, but faith is for practical living in a world marred by sin. The only way reconciled people can victoriously live in it is with renewed minds (or more correctly, hearts). 

To forgive or seek forgiveness, means setting pride aside and making one's self vulnerable and open.The one in need of forgiveness might be rejected. The one who forgives might be offended over and over again. There are no guarantees. That's why it takes faith--and faith "worketh by love".  You can't exercise real godly faith any other way. It takes the love of God in you to be able and willing to stretch out on faith and exercise the process of forgiveness as Jesus taught it; not the way that makes us comfortable.

Prayer: Lord, Destroy the satanic work of false pride in every child of God that hinders us from seeking real, whole forgiveness that restores; and keeps us from providing the full restoring power of forgiveness to those who have offended us. Lord, we know that offenses WILL come, until you come; but let your love in us override the pride and heal one another in love at all cost to ourselves. Make us vulnerable and open before You and before each other. Give us godly faith, by love. In Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen!


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