FORGIVENESS…. Initial and Releasing

Forgiveness is one of the cornerstone spiritual foundations of Christian living. Over the years, I have coined the phrase, “Forgiveness releases in me the ability to deal scripturally with the situation.” By that I mean any unkind, untrue or abusive remarks or actions toward you; (as quickly as possible), you should choose [as any act of your will] to forgive the offender. Once doing that, you mitigate the effect of carnal reaction.  By that I mean your tendency of reacting is greatly reduced, giving you time to think/pray clearly on how the Lord wants you to respond. By forgiving someone, that does NOT mean you just need to forget or offer no follow through. It may be that the Lord would guide you to take no action- (other than letting love reign and you casting your care unto the Lord); or He might lead you to contact the police or church eldership. The issue is to be at peace in your soul and take Spirit led action.

Scripture: Matthew 18:34-35 this is the story of the servant that was graciously forgiven a large debt he owed but turned around and demanded payment from another servant who owed him a very small debt. Jesus finishes the story by saying to the one who was forgiven (of much) …. But refused to forgive another:

 ^“And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

Forgiveness should be done quickly and with a sincere heart.

What I described above I am calling Initial Forgiveness- to quickly choose to forgive any that have hurt or offended you.

NOW, what about the person that did or said the sin against you? We all wish that person would be convicted of their sin, repent first to God and then humbly ask forgiveness. Sometimes that happens and sometimes it does not.

But if that person, does repent to God and comes and humbly asks your forgiveness: you of course accept their apology, (you are already at peace from your initial forgiveness toward them), BUT by them by taking that action; they free themselves of the ‘hardness of heart’.

 I call this, RELEASING FORGIVENESS. The offending party now has a release from the spiritual ‘hardness of heart’ and consequences of their sin.  

Note: some may ask why I should be concerned with the offending party’s spiritual condition (after all they caused me a lot of heartache and pain) Here’s one answer:

“That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 

2 Corinthians 5:18

Be a reconciler! Forgive quickly from the heart- and enjoy true peace & freedom.