Forgiveness

Forgiveness works

If we truly forgive there should be no pain and little to forget.

Mark 11:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

According to this direct statement from Jesus if you do not forgive neither will you be forgiven. That means if you are having trouble with forgiving others then you probably do not really believe in Jesus.

To forgive is to "stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake."

Every opportunity to forgive is a blessing and gift from God to be cherished with joy.

Luke 5:23 Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?

Why can't we say arise and walk?

Why are hands not full of the virtue of Christ that heals body and soul?

Is it because we do not really forgive the forgiveness of Christ?

Can we forgive those who use us, abuse us, betray us, spit on us or nail us to a cross?

In recent broadcasts I talked about forgiveness... Not only of those who love us but of those who use us and even abuse us. We are to love our enemies whether real or imagined.

If they are really our enemy and do not understand real forgiveness they will flee us, not we them.

Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

This verse begins with therefore because we are told in Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Because the master said

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Emperor Marcus Aurelius shows clemency to the vanquished after his success against tribes. (Capitoline Museum in Rome)

Wikipedia says "Forgiveness is the intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offense, lets go of negative emotions such as vengefulness, with an increased ability to wish the offender well."

It included a picture of Marcus Aurelius

Real forgiveness works

Forgiveness is the end of conflict because it sets us free. There should be no residue or pain nor fear of enemy nor discomfort if we reach a point of true forgiveness.

If we have not then we need to face those we have not truly forgiven so that we may be free....

Forgiveness will open the door to healing, first in ourselves and then in others.

Hue and cry | Go and cry | Cry out | Employ | Land | Mind |
Corban | Christian conflict | Nicolaitan | Religion | Pure Religion |
Welfare types | Daily ministration | Self-Sacrifice‎ | Repent |
Weightier matters | Altars | Sophistry | Friend | Stones |
Forgiveness | Forgive | Forgive them | In need of forgiveness |
Wantonness‎ | Covet | Negotiating Health Care Costs |‏‎

If you need help:

Or want to help others:

Join The Living Network of The Companies of Ten
The Living Network | Join Local group | About | Purpose | Guidelines | Network Removal
Contact Minister | Fractal Network | Audacity of Hope | Network Links