What does it mean to forgive “as Christ forgave us?”
Psalms 103:10-12 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. KJV
How many people have beaten you nearly to death, spit on you, and then nailed you to a cross?
Is this how you view and forgive others? As Jesus forgave you?
People are quick to counter this, usually with things like, “we need to hold them accountable. (last weeks message). If there is unforgiveness in your heart that is the only thing you need to worry about. What anyone else has done is not your concern at that point. That is the log in the eye principle.
Unforgiveness, bitterness, these are really damaging emotions. Believe the Lord can heal your emotions. We need the Lord to transform us by the renewing of our minds. To heal our heads.
Obviously this great sin, the sin of unforgiveness, can be forgiven through true repentance like any other sin. But true repentance cannot be had without a change of heart and action. Repentance means to turn away from your sin. You can't continue in unforgiveness and say you are repentant. Repentance is not simply being sorry. It is a change of heart. You also will not repent until you admit you are wrong, and that you need to deal with log in your own eye.
Generally when we are wronged we want three things:
Vengeance, Vindication, and Validation.
The desire for vengeance is usually the first human response to being wronged. This is one where there is no leeway or argument. |
