Matthew 6:12 KJV - And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
This is the seventh topic on The Lord's Prayer. I have always known the number seven to be a number of wholeness or completion. It was on the seventh day of creation that God rested. The Lord also called it Sabbath day which is to be observed as a day of rest and dedication to Him according to the law given by Him to Moses.
I have gone into great lengths in expanding on this seventh topic on the Lord's Prayer because it is so important to forgive people who have offended us no matter what it is they have done.
Forgiveness brings a sense of wholeness and peace to your life. It also releases you to receive God's forgiveness and blessings into your life.
Someone who is unforgiving cannot find rest because they are constantly troubled by what someone has done to them.
We all need God's forgiveness but are not always so willing to truly forgive others. Sometimes we forgive but only in part. Let us examine ourselves and ask ourselves a few questions. Are you guilty of withholding full forgiveness? Do you look for ways to remind the offender how bad they have been? Do you seek revenge? Do you wish your enemies well? Do you love and pray for them? When you hear something has gone wrong in their lives is the first thing that comes to your mind 'it serves you right?' Do you keep malice?
It is so easy to withhold forgiveness from those who offend us but if God should withhold forgiveness from us where would we be?
When we pray in the Lord's Prayer 'forgive us our trespasses (sins) as we forgive those who trespass (sin) against us', we are asking God to treat us the same way we treat those who offend us.
But you may say 'if only you knew what s/he did to me! They don't deserve my forgiveness'.
Do we deserve God's forgiveness? No! We don't. Yet He willingly forgives us in Christ Jesus.
The scriptures says: For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] (Ephesians 2:8, 9 AMP).
Jesus said: For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:14, 15 NIV)
Again Jesus said:
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. (Luke 6:27-30 NIV)
If you find it difficult to forgive remember what God has done for you by giving His Son for you so that you can be forgiven for your sins. Also remember that you will only be forgiven by Him the way you forgive others.
Let us therefore learn to forgive others as we would like God to forgive us. In so doing, you will be able to enjoy that wholeness, completeness, peace and Sabbath rest you long for.
Shalom
Dear Women of God,
ReplyDeleteWhen you have been sorely wronged or offended it is not always very easy to truly forgive. However we are not doing ourselves any favours when we withhold true forgiveness.
This ministration stresses the importance of true forgiveness and gives you the key to your peace, wholeness and rest.
May God bless, heal and grant you His peace you as you read and put into practice His transforming word.
Shalom
Aije x