2:364 – Forgiving Like Christ

#faithbites #faithjourney #2020 #Resolutions Christ

This morning, my youngest was yelling at me for something or another. After a while, she apologized and I told her I forgave her. Then a few minutes later she wanted me to play with her. I honestly didn’t want to play with her at that moment because of how she treated me. But if I forgave her, why was I still upset?

As we look towards 2020, many people create resolutions to change their lives, including forgiveness. For me, I wish that I could forgive like Christ forgives: truly, wholly, 100%, purely.

Scripture

• For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. – Matthew 6:14-15
• “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. – Isaiah 43:25
• Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. – Micah 7:18-19
• Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” – Hebrews 10:27

Reflection

We could list many more scriptures that show that once we ask for forgiveness we are white as snow (Isaiah1:18). Jesus remembers our sins no more. That doesn’t mean he forgave us and held a grudge. It means it is gone as if it never happened. The key to this, is if we don’t forgive each others, our father doesn’t forgive us. I need to do more digging on this, but this shows that we have a part to play. We need to forgive those who have sinned against us, it’s even in the Lord’s Prayer.

For me, it’s hardest for me to forgive myself. Others seem to forgive me and I know Jesus does, but for me to accept it is difficult. While I know it is impossible for us to be as forgiving as Jesus, what if we stopped holding those grudges and truly began to forgive. Maybe I should go play with my daughter 🙂

Challenge

Today, find one person who has wronged you. No matter how slight, and forgive them. Honestly, truly, and fully. It can be done verbally, written, or even in your heart of hearts, prayer. Just say that they are forgiven and let it go. Ask your Father to help in that.

Prayer

Heavenly Father. We try to be like Christ Jesus, but fall short. If it wasn’t for him, we would never be forgiven. Help us to be more like him. Let us feel the power of Christ and forgive others: truly, wholly, 100%, purely. We love you and thank you for your example. In your powerful name, Amen.