My grandmother was a very easy person to talk to. I used to talk to her about my friendship problems all the time because she always had great advice. Forgiveness was something that she really helped me with. She would always tell me, “Forgive like you’d want to be forgiven.” That’s not always an easy thing to do. Forgiveness is one of those things that we always want, but aren’t so quick to give away. But it was, and still is, one of Jesus’ biggest messages. Jesus is the Ultimate Forgiver. He forgives unbelievers and christians alike without a second thought. It’s so natural for Him; we see that all throughout the Bible. And we, as Christians, are called to be like Christ. That includes forgiving others unconditionally. Here are a few scriptures that will show you how important forgiveness is to God.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. We are commanded to forgive others just as God forgave us. God is a merciful God. There is nothing we could do that God wouldn’t forgive us for. No sin is too great. No shame is too much. God will forgive us for any and all of it. We should be willing to do the same for others. Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. In case the commandment above wasn’t enough, here’s an incentive. If you can forgive others, God will forgive you when Judgement Day comes. However, the opposite is also true. Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Jesus isn’t saying to forgive literally only seventy-seven times. He was making a point to Peter about forgiveness. We are supposed to forgive as many times as we are wronged. There’s not a limit on how many times someone is forgiven for messing up. Matthew 5:38-40 You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. Not only do we forgive, but we’re called to walk away. Don’t retaliate. Don’t seek revenge. Revenge is the Lord’s and His alone. Forgiveness is not an easy task. It requires us to put aside our selfish desires and put others first. It requires us to show mercy, even when we think it isn't deserved. But with lots of prayer and humility, it is possible. Remember to forgive as you’d want to be forgiven.
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MissionIn short, I started this blog because I want to give girls all over the world hope. All of the topics I write about on this blog are things that I have struggled with or am still struggling with. I want to help young women everywhere achieve freedom through Christ. Archives
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