To err is human to forgive divine…Most of us have experienced the relief of receiving forgiveness from someone we hurt. And as believers we have experienced the forgiveness of Jesus Christ for our sins. Sadly, we have times and people that we struggle to forgive; those that have sinned against us. There’s a warning that deals with that in a pretty well-known passage in the Bible-the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:12-15, “and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. 13 And don’t let us yield to temptation but rescue us from the evil one. 14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Pretty tough standard put into place by Jesus- Forgive as we have been forgiven- or you will not be forgiven.
It had been over 22 years since Joseph had seen his brothers. The Bible tells us that he was 30 years old when he stood before Pharaoh and was made the ‘prime minister’ over all Egypt. For thirteen years, after being sold into slavery, he spent time as a slave and a prisoner. All through no fault of his own. Now, before him stands the very ones that sold him into slavery and caused all his pain and the separation from his family. But, despite the pain that his brothers had caused him we see an amazing response to his brothers.
Instead of vengeance Joseph gives forgiveness. Did they deserve it? No. Yet Joseph knew God and he knew the hand of God. He also understood that no matter what happens to us in life “Everything works good for them who love the Lord”. (Romans 8:28.) The bad in our lives may be caused by someone else but God always brings good. Not always as we think it should be or even when we think it should be. God redeems those bad things in our life and brings about something amazing- if we keep our faith and trust in Him. And that’s where Satan will attack! He desires to destroy anything good- especially our family.
We see it here in full force- Satan wanted to destroy the people of Israel and what better way than through envy and fear within the family of Jacob/Israel. If he could destroy Jacob’s family- God’s plan for the Messiah would have been stopped (in Satan’s mind anyway.) Allowing bitterness and hatred into our family is a powerful tool of Satan. This often comes from unforgiveness. We have to remember that “Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional.”
It is extremely important that within our families we learn to forgive one another. Sadly, there are people who carry around unforgiveness toward their parents or siblings for years. They are eaten up with unforgiveness which turns to hatred. If you or someone in your family has done something to hurt another person, your best recourse is forgiveness. Forgiveness can mend our relationships- even those of our families. Forgiveness may even help win our relatives to the Lord.
We must learn to forgive.
• Forgive as you have been forgiven, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13.
• Forgive as often as necessary Back to Matthew 18:21-22, “Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” 22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
• Forgive unconditionally “Love keeps no record of being wronged.”1 Corinthians 13:5. Forgiveness is to forgive unconditionally. This is why we are told to forgive so many times.
Steps to forgiveness
1. Decide to forgive
2. Demonstrate forgiveness. This is more than just words and mere decisions this is when we physically say we have forgiven.
3. Depend on God to help you forgive
Joseph forgave his brothers. He determined that he would not be a prisoner of his past. And because he forgave, God made him to be fruitful in the land of Egypt. (Genesis 41:51-52.)
It is impossible to reach and stretch for the future when we're living in the pain of the past.
Being hurt by someone, particularly the ones you love and trust, can cause anger, sadness, confusion and other emotional wounds. If we dwell on situations, grudges filled with resentment, vengeance and hostility can take root. Jesus commanded us to forgive! “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us.” The Lord’s Prayer Matthew 6
You and I have mountains to be subdued, and victories to be won. Perhaps, someone has offended you and today, God has convicted them, and they are coming to you to seek forgiveness. Please forgive them. God forgave you; please do the same for them!
Forgiveness brings freedom! It gives you freedom to love, to trust, and to become more like Jesus. When you hang unto unforgiveness you develop a hang-up that will bring you down and threaten to destroy you. Desire God’s healing, His strength and power to forgive- He will give it to you. He will equip and empower you to forgive those that have hurt you.
Our best example is Jesus himself- if he can forgive those that put him on the cross- and if He is willing to forgive all that call upon His name- no matter what they have done or who they are- How can we do any less? Forgive- and you will be forgiven! Be free from the sin of unforgiveness. Forgiveness Gives Freedom!
