Healing in Forgiveness
It is much easier to fit in with the world around us than it is to stand out and live differently as Jesus called us to do. But as true disciples of Christ we know that our lives will be more blessed when we follow His instructions. The lifestyle that Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount is the complete opposite of what is accepted and expected in the world we live in.
Jesus began His message by saying, “You have heard it said”….. and then added, “But I say.” He made it very clear that His ways are not the world’s ways and His instructions for His followers will be radically different from world views, which will make us stand out as beacons of hope and light to others.
In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part. Matthew 6:14-15
Last week the message at the Grief Share group was about guilt and anger. It covered many of the things that hold up recovery in a grieving person. One of the things is unforgiveness. We can easily justify why we hold grudges and refuse to forgive. Perhaps it’s because the person we are angry with was negligant and caused deep harm or even death in a loved one. Maybe it was harsh and unkind words that are difficult to forget let alone forgive. Or maybe you’re angry with God and are struggling with thoughts of how you can forgive Him.
The lesson reminded the participants of three things:
- God is soverign
- God is good
- God understands
Forgiveness is not easy, but it is possible with God. It’s helpful to remind yourself of the forgiveness that God has extended to you. Remember the peace and relief you felt when your sin burden was lifted and paid for by Christ. In His loving mercy and grace, He did not give you what your sins deserved, but rather He offered a way to peace and reconciliation with God.
When we forgive others we are in no way condoning their actions or letting them off the hook, but rather we are walking out of the prison that unforgiveness has held us captive in and releasing that person into the hands of God, who is much better able to deal with them.
When we release that weight we are better able to see the goodness and sovereignty of God, while recognizing that He completely understands. We will also understand that God has done nothing to be forgiven for. He cannot sin. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours, but they are always for our ultimate good.
The healing we experience through forgiveness is twofold. We are healed and set free from a life of sin because of the grace of Jesus. We then are commanded to do the same for others. Forgive them. How can we accept the mercy and forgiveness of God for ourselves and not extend it to others?