Matthew 6:14-15: “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.”
Forgiveness is the greatest work the Lord Jesus did on the cross so that whoever believes in Him will be forgiven and saved from eternal death.
Peter asked Jesus, “How many times shall I forgive my brother?” Jesus answered, “Seventy times seven.” Does this mean after forgiving 490 times (70 x 7) we can take revenge and no longer forgive? It is certainly not so. In the original language, forgiving others 70 x 7 means releasing forgiveness for the same person, over the same mistake and on the same day for 70 x 7 times.
Let’s say we sleep for 8 hours a day; that means we have 16 hours left, and 16 hours or 960 minutes divided by 490 times. This means that every 2 minutes we must forgive the same person over the same problem. In short, forgiving is an action with no time limit that needs to be done continuously.
If we forgive with our own strength, our ability will be limited. Why? Because humans’ patience has a limit. After forgiving a few times, we will say that we have no more patience and cannot forgive anymore. Therefore, we need to ask for the Lord’s strength and grace so that we can forgive as Jesus has forgiven us.
The power of forgiveness is amazing. Someone who forgives will have joy and peace. The door of blessings will be opened in their lives. Also, forgiveness can change the life and character of those who have been forgiven. An example is the Samaritan woman whose sins were forgiven by Jesus. This woman was very thankful and testified to all who lived in her village and brought them to believe in Jesus.
Forgiveness also rebukes the work of the devil that wants to divide a nation, church, community, family and fellow believers. When forgiveness is given, the devil has no place and unity will take place. There will be God’s joy, peace and blessings. Psalm 133:1-3 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing—Life forevermore.”
Starting today, let us humble ourselves and forgive one another so that there is no more place for the devil in our lives. God bless.
hs/Publishing Team, IBC Church