The power of forgiveness

A photo of the Bible propped open. It is lit by an overhead light.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

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W

hat is “power,” really? One definition is “to move or travel with great speed or force.”

Now think of how to apply that to forgiveness, “the process of forgiving or being forgiven.”

All too often, we consider forgiveness as a mysterious and spiritual transaction that, once accomplished, is a past event that has little to do with our subsequent lives.

The Bible says, “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)

This is not one or many transactions, but a mindset and a way of life. And it takes constant, intentional work. Think of it as giving your forgiveness to others — in essence, having mercy.

On mercy, the Bible says, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” (Titus 3:5)

It is better to give than to receive, because God loves a cheerful giver. God gave his one and only son that whosoever believe in Him should not perish but should have everlasting life!

Luke goes on to say, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.” (Luke 6:38)

Christ has subdued, cleansed, and forgotten our sin. He will subdue our iniquities and thou wilt cast all thy sin into the depth of the sea. Christ has replaced our sins with His holiness. Any person who exists in Christ is a new creature. Old things are passed away, and behold, all things become new!

The Bible says, “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” (Isaiah 43:25)

As a nation or world, we need to ask for forgiveness if we have sinned and wish all to be spared from this coronavirus.

In this world today, using prayer, we must ask for forgiveness and mercy and to be spared. Amen! The Holy Bible talks about forgiveness in the book of Matthew. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

Christ has given us victory over sin. Since all of the above and more is true and active in the lives of all believers, there should be an obvious exhilaration that enables us to confidently stand against whatever “fiery darts” the enemy may throw at us. “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (Ephesians 6:16)

We are clearly told that sin shall not have dominion over us. And since Jsesus already dealt with the offence of sin when he died on the cross, we can regain life by him.

Once again, the Holy BIble talks about mercy. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:!6)

Amen!


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