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One of the great principles of the Christian life is forgiveness. Jesus modeled this principle for us when he hung on the cross and prayed for the very people who had put him there. Luke 23:34 His words were so powerful and unexpected that they brought about the conversion of one of the thieves hanging on a cross next to him. Because Jesus completely forgave us, he wants to follow his example by forgiving others. The Bible gives us several important characteristics of the forgiveness we should have for others. Forgiveness First Comes from God. Our forgiveness of others should flow from Gods' forgiveness of us. Mark 11:25 Forgiveness Knows No Limits. For a Christian, no wrong is too great or too small to forgive. Matthew 18:21-22 Forgiveness Is Not Selective. You can't choose to forgive some people and not forgive others. Matthew 5:44-45 Forgiveness Breaks Down Walls. When you choose to forgive, you experience true freedom. Genesis 45:12-15 Check Out The Facts! Throughout this page we've shown you some of the verses in the Bible that back-up our text. Part of your growing relationship with Christ is checking out these facts for yourself. Luke 23:34 "Jesus said, 'Father, forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing.' And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice." Mark 11:25 "But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too." Matthew 18:21-22 "Then Peter came to him and asked, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?" "No!" Jesus replied, "seventy times seven!" Matthew 5:44-45 "But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too." Genesis 45:12-15 "Then Joseph said, "You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that I really am Joseph! Tell my father how I am honored here in Egypt. Tell him about everything you have seen, and bring him to me quickly." Weeping with joy, he embraced Benjamin, and Benjamin also began to weep. Then Joseph kissed each of his brothers and wept over them, and then they began talking freely with him."
Excerpts from the New Living Translation |