2 Corinthians 2:8-11 "I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven--if there was anything to forgive--I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes."
Forgiveness. Simple word and concept.
Unfortunately, it gets defined by people according their hurts.
Forgiveness does not mean you forget what was done. If you realize someone is not caring to change their life, and staying close to them means continued hurt, then move on with your life. At the same time, you still need to forgive the act. It is done. It is over. The offender may never change, so to them nothing may be over, but YOU can choose to let the moment be over.
Many teach that one must want forgiveness for you to forgive them.
Let’s think about that for a second. If they do not want forgiveness, do you really think God wants you to remain in a state of un-forgiveness?
Having an unforgiving heart brings weight to a person.
It turns the one who chooses not to forgive into an individual who harbors grief, anger, hate, etc.
Believe it or not, you know. You know when you have been unforgiving. You know how your heart is against the one you are holding back forgiveness from. I know times in my life where I have held onto forgiveness.
The more I learn of how Jesus treated others, the more I realize how truly forgiving He is.
This is the One I want to be like. It is a hard measuring line to reach up to, but the only measuring line worth striving for.
Some say Jesus was not forgiving to the Pharisee’s. Actually He was. When He died on the cross, He said the debt has been paid and it is finished!
If they choose to surrender to Him, then great.
All are forgiven, or Jesus would have to return and die on the cross over and over.
The forgiveness is there. Regardless of whether or not someone wants to accept it.
I know when I have accepted the forgiveness given to me, and it makes me want to be a better person.
If I choose not to accept forgiveness someone offers me, then it’s my bad, and my attitude is clearly affected.
Same thing goes the other way.
When I have forgiven an offender, and they accept it, I see a stronger relationship form. I see a desire to live a better life.
When I have forgiven an offender, and they don’t seem to care, I see their attitude continue to build.
I am so thankful Jesus forgave me, regardless of how I act. This does not mean He likes it when I sin. This does not mean I could receive heaven if I choose to ignore His already paid for forgiveness. This DOES mean He has forgiven. The choice on how to respond is up to me.
Do not let Satan outwit you. Forgive. Who cares if it is received? Forgive anyway. The enemy wants us to live with an unforgiving heart.
And if someone offended someone else, make sure to stay above reproach in this. Often, people are unforgiving to some who hurt someone they know. Nothing was done to you. Do not get caught up. Stay forgiving. Stay loving. Stay open. You can not control someone’s reaction.
You do have the opportunity to control your own actions. Will you do the right thing, or will you make excuses? Forgive. You will be blessed by it!
