Walking In Forgiveness
Be kind and compassionate to one another. Forgiving one another just as Christ forgave you.
You know it happens to everyone someone has hurt you in some way and you must walk that complicated path that you know you do not really want to walk, getting to the point of forgiveness is a journey that is very rewarding once you can honestly say to the person and know in yourself that you have forgiven.
Let’s see what the bible says.
Mathew 6:14
If you forgive men, their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Mathew 18:22 & Luke 17:3-4
Now do you remember Peter one of Jesuses disciples when he asked how many times you forgive a brother in Christ and Jesus answered I do not say to you seven times but even times seventy
Wow that’s huge but how often have you been challenged in the area of forgiveness ? I know that this happens many times because I believe Father needs to remind us that we are only called to love and unforgiveness brings out in us judgment and revenge and moves us in the wrong direction and we forget to just love and remember that God is our vindicator
By forgiveness does that mean you are setting yourself up to be a doormat to be hurt again ?
No of course not we first of must evaluate this situation with God what is your relationship with the person is this the first time is it a regular pattern etc, and you need to be doing all of this with God. With husband &wives it’s a daily journey until you grow and mature then it goes over your head. What are you sensing Him saying to you seek His wisdom on your relationship. Forgiving someone does not always mean you have to remain friends with them. You can forgive establish clear boundaries and just keep your distance. We need friends who love us and build us up not bring us down and sometimes God wants us to move on and grow and mature and He will bring others around that person to help them. Chose your close friends carefully,
Proverbs 2:6
For the Lord gives wisdom from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding
Mathew 6:14
For if you forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive then neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
OUCH
Now in all cases of offense we must forgive because this can hinder our walk with God. Offense is taken so if you can get yourself into a place that no matter what is said to you you recognise that its coming from satan
John 10:10 the thief comes to steal kill and destroy.
Listen to what Jesus said to Peter.
Mathew 16:23
Get behind me satan you are an offense to me for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.
These are strong words he did not even speak to Peter he addressed satan because he knew who was behind it.
We all really need to grow mature asking Father constantly for discernment.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Asunder = break apart = disunited =separated
Joints where the bones meet.
Marrow is a substance found in the inside of bones.
Unforgiveness also brings along with it, Judgement, revenge, and condemnation.
Luke 6:37
Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive and you shall be forgiven.
Mathew 7; 1-5
Do not Judge, or you to will be Judged
For in the same way you judge others you will be judged and with the same measure you use, it will be measured against you.
Numbers 20: 7
Listen to what Moses Said
What possessed Moses to strike back?
Moses allowed their complaining to enter his heart.
When we allow ourselves to get emotionally involved when we allow this to happen.
This is judging we should not judge personally that is about I
We are mis representing God.
The promised land is to be free from the power of the enemy of depression sickness defeat and poverty.
This is living in the promised land
Refuse to judge.
We also need to forgive the sin or the curse of rejection rebellion, alcohol, drugs etc.
Book of job 3 what he feared came upon him.
John 10:10
Satan robs us of our will to choose.
This really needs to be considered when someone does something toward us, we should not take revenge into our own hands.
Let’s look at an example illustration on what unforgiveness can do
Mathew 18:24
10,000 talents in todays value = 52 million
100 denar =40.00
Pay what you owe what did he do.
V29-27 he asked to be released not forgiveness his mind was on release not forgiveness.
Let’s look at 34+35
1John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out all fear because fear has torment. He that fear is not made perfect in love.
Sometimes we do not see results in some areas, and we ask the Lord why could it be some unforgiveness?
When we have forgiven, we need to let go and let God and just believe and trust He is doing something he has said in His word that He will vindicate us,
Luke 18:7-8
Now will God not bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them.
I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.
Job 13:18
Behold now I have prepared my case I will be vindicated.
Example
David and Saul
It took many years, but Gods promise in David’s life came to pass.
When vindication is delayed something is happening
When family are still not saved something is happening
When you talk about revenge or why your family friends neighbour etc are this that or the next thing it really is a way of punishing them and spreading gossip Repent forgive and leave it to GOD.
Take every thought captive.
Jeremiah 17:9 the heart is deceitful.
Rom 12: 19
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, vengeance is mine; I will repay says the Lord.
Vindication is God’s business. We just need to trust and believe.