The Art of Forgiveness

Posted on March 23, 2016 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

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Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

There are various debates on numerous theology and precepts. One of them involves the art of forgiveness. One would argue that believers are already forgiving and they don’t need to continue asking for forgiving. Another would argue that acknowledging transgression is the way to stay in perfect fellowship with our father. Others would separate judicial forgiveness and the relational aspects of forgiveness. And the list goes on…

The reason why there are so many concepts on forgiveness is because there is no easy ways to warp this principle in a neat box. They’re many facets in the art of forgiveness, and an important part is the art of forgiving one another.

I have been redeemed; forgiving, on my way to heaven. My life is now hidden in Christ and I’m not in the business of hurting others around me (no more). I have the privilege to go on and live a life that is honoring to God; I have a clean slate. But Because of my poor choices in life many people were/are hurt.

In this verse Paul is speaking on the relational part of forgiveness. And forgiving one another is a direct reflection of our relationship with Christ. He took the penalty knowing all we have done, and reconciled us with the Father. And we are to take on this attitude for ourselves.

It does not mean condoning or excusing what happened. Nor does it mean forgetting, accepting the behavior of the other as ok, or immediately being reconciled with an offender or suppressing feelings of hurt and pain. It is a process that allows healing and inner peace; to look on a person and circumstances from a God’s perspective.

For believers it’s the chance to allow Christ to shine through you. It liberates us from burdens, offenses, and being controlled by emotional strongholds. We don’t lose our morality because we give people a free pass, it actually helps restore relationships and in many case restores people back to God. If there is anyone that you have offended, or was offended, maybe it’s time to make it right. In your prayer time ask God to reveal any unfinished work.

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 82; Proverbs 22

Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan

Daily Quote: Only he who can say, “The Lord is the strength of my life” can say, “Of whom shall I be afraid?” ~Alexander MacLaren

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: 

But the transgressors shall be destroyed together;

The future of the wicked shall be cut off. ~Psalm 37:38 (NKJV)

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