Forgiving Others

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Eph 4:32 (NIV) Extending forgiveness is intentional and perpetual. The words “just as” are powerful. In our key verse above, they mean to imitate and to emulate God’s forgiveness. We are to forgive each other just as in Christ God forgave us. Let’s consider going on a personal journey together in order to extend forgiveness to those who have wounded us. Ask God to bring to your mind someone you need to forgive. This may induce feelings of hurt, betrayal, or neglect. Now that you have someone in mind, take that person with you to the cross in prayer. In fact, you may even need to take them by the hand as you kneel with them at the foot of the cross. Remember that Jesus knows him or her better than you do. Jesus loves him or her more than you do. Also, Jesus paid the full price for his or her complete forgiveness. In prayer, say to the Lord, “Jesus, as You have graciously forgiven me, I now choose to forgive (insert his or her name).” Release that person from the prison of your unforgiveness. Genuinely extend forgiveness as in Christ God forgave you. Now entrust that person and your future to God. “‘And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins’” (Mark 11:25 NIV). Forgiveness is always the best decision. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Forgiving Others

Forgiveness is immediate; trust takes time. When you have been wounded, the last thing you want to do is extend forgiveness. You naturally want to them to pay for the pain they have inflicted. You want them to suffer the consequences of their actions. Somehow you want them to serve a sentence for their wrong doing. For the follower of Christ, forgiveness is not optional. Extending forgiveness is commanded and modeled by Jesus. In fact, you cannot have a right relationship with God unless you have a right relationship with others. You cannot have a right relationship with others unless you have a right relationship with God. Unless you forgive, you will not be forgiven. “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matt 6:14-15 (NIV) If you do not forgive, then you will not be forgiven. Now that’s powerful motivation. Notice that Jesus does not mention whether a person deserves to be forgiven or not. The truth is none of us deserves to be forgiven by God. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Eph 4:32 (NIV) Read the verse one more time and focus on the words, “just as.” How can you be kind and compassionate to someone who has wounded you? How can you forgive someone who has inflicted pain in your life? “Just as” in Christ God forgave you! Until you forgive, you will be imprisoned. Until you forgive, you will be shackled by the past. Take God at His Word and extend forgiveness “just as” in Christ God extended forgiveness to you. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care