Forgiveness

The message of forgiveness is as old as man himself.  God created Adam and Eve and placed them in a perfect environment but yet they choose to sin, rebel against God.  It was in that moment that forgiveness was necessary and God spoke about the coming Messiah.  There are times of refreshing when God's people learn the power of forgiveness.  I have a friend, Reinhard Hirtler, who has written a book called "The Power to Forgive".  I realize that many people have written on this topic but this is a must read for all believers.  Jesus said "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."  Matthew 6:14-15  This verse must be understood at face value.  There are no exceptions found in the context of this statement by Jesus and we would distort the meaning of this verse if we place any kind of exception clause in this statement of Jesus.  I want to go to heaven and the only way to heaven is through the forgiveness of my sins by the grace and love of Jesus Christ in what He did for us on the cross.  So highly does God place the acts of forgiveness in our own lives that He contacts the ability of God to forgive us to our acts of forgiveness toward others.  I realize that many people have suffered great abuse and acts of unspeakable betrayal and rejection but the Word of God does not change just because of my own difficult circumstance.  I would never say that it is easy to forgive but in order to be healed of the hurts within I must learn to forgive the same way Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. 
Let us learn to forgive.  May the grace and love that we have received through Jesus Christ be extended to others who have sinned against us.  So much more could be said so I encourage you to read the book "The Power to Forgive".

Pastor John