Forgive instantly.
You cannot live the Christ-centered life without instant forgiveness. Living in a right relationship with God and with others requires instant forgiveness.
Think about where you would be without God’s forgiveness. Think about the alienation and the isolation and the rejection that would be your constant companion. But God came to your rescue by allowing Jesus to die to pay the penalty of your sin.
Now think about forgiving others. Is there anyone in your life whom you haven’t forgiven? Are you holding a grudge? Has the poison of bitterness and resentment saturated your life? What is keeping your from extending instant forgiveness?
“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 don’t forgive instantly, God won’t forgive you! That ought to motivate you to do whatever it takes to extend forgiveness to others. They may not deserve and you are right. However, you don’t deserve God’s forgiveness, yet He gives it.
Forgiving instantly is not based on how others treat you; it is based on how God has treated you. Extend God’s love to others by extending forgiveness instantly.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care