September 4, 2022
I write this, dear children, to guide you out of sin. But if anyone does sin, we have a Priest-Friend in the presence of the Father: Jesus Christ, righteous Jesus. When he served as a sacrifice for our sins, he solved the sin problem for good, not only ours but the whole world’s. 1 John 2:1-2. (MSG)
How many times have you heard the phrase “you just need to forgive yourself?” In fact, how many times have you said “Girl, you just need to forgive yourself?” I have said, “you just need to forgive yourself?” I have books on forgiveness with chapters dealing with forgiving yourself. However, is it really biblical to say, “you need to forgive yourself?”
In the process of writing my online course, “Pivoting with Christian Principles to Walk in Freedom and Purpose”, one section deals with forgiveness and unforgiveness. As Believers in Christ, it is impossible to walk in freedom and purpose with unforgiveness in our hearts. Biblical research shows that 1 in 4 Christians struggle with unforgiveness and are cognizant of the sin of harboring unforgiveness in their hearts. I would venture to say that many Christians want to walk freedom and purpose; however, many do not know or fully understand the process of walking out the forgiveness. You have heard the saying, “the Word of God works, you have to work the Word.” It sounds good, and yes, it is a true statement, however; just what does that look like and how is it done? You have also heard the statement, ” just forgive, and forget”, which sounds good as well, however, God never told us that we must forget the hurt, pain, or disappointment, but He did command us to forgive! Also, the way that God has designed us, even after forgiving the memory of the hurt and pain, will still be there, the difference is we are free because of being obedient to the Word of God!
Let’s be real extending forgiveness to others who’ve wronged us is one of the hardest things to do. Those who say otherwise are simply lying or mistaken. We must forgive and extend mercy to those who have wronged us because when we do not forgive, anger, bitterness, and retaliation begin to consume us! It is our responsibility as Christians to release them, so we won’t bring ourselves into the bondage of unforgiveness. I speak from experience of “church hurt and family pain.” I struggled with unforgiveness until I allowed the Word of God and the power Holy Spirit to walk me through the biblical process of forgiveness. Knowing the Word is not enough, it is the work of the Holy Spirit that gives us the power to release it and simply walk in the forgiveness God has already provided! Because of what Christ has sacrificed on the cross for us we are free to walk in His forgiveness! We struggle, stumble, and often fall when we do not know and obey His Word to us. We MUST know the Word of God and apply it appropriately to our lives to walk in freedom and purpose.
The Consequences of Unforgiveness are Serious! Christ has commanded that we live a lifestyle of forgiveness. Our sins do have genuine and often
heartbreaking consequences in our lives. Do your research! When we do not forgive it hurts us physically predisposing us to disease and chronic medical conditions. When we harbor unforgiveness in our hearts, it hurts us emotionally with depression and other forms of mental disturbances and behaviors, i.e., passive-aggressive type behaviors are common. For example, indirectly refusing a request (not respecting one enough to give a response, just ignoring what they asked or requested) is a common behavior. It hurts us spiritually, blocking our fellowship with God and not answering our prayers. “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT)
We cannot stop forgiving others because Christ has not stopped forgiving us!
Gracefully, the principles of salvation and forgiveness of sin are intricately linked. Thank goodness, God’s grace is sufficient for all sin. Receiving forgiveness of sin is up to YOU! This forgiveness comes by faith in Jesus and God’s grace alone, not by works or good deeds. Salvation begins by humbly acknowledging that we will never be good enough to get into heaven on our own merit and that we need a Savior and forgiveness of sin. Accepting Jesus Christ means believing that His death and resurrection paid the penalty for all sins ever committed and that it is sufficient to cover all sins. When we consider our own sin and how wretched and unworthy of forgiveness we are, it becomes clear that God is loving, compassionate, and worthy of our praise. Our sinful pride that resists asking for forgiveness is what stands between us and a relationship with a loving Father and Savior. But for those who ask for forgiveness of sin, can believe that Jesus is sufficient and eager to forgive and save them from their sin.
Forgiveness is a graceful gift from a God who loves us unconditionally allowing us to see how genuinely faithful and loving He is.
RX: A FORGIVING 
HEART: John 1:12-13 “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (NASB) God is so awesome and the amazing thing about God’s forgiveness is that it is not merely transactional; it is relational and transformative. Just ask Saul when he was on the Damascus Read who became the Apostle Paul. When we accept Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior we are saved, we become children of God. At the moment of salvation, we receive the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit who transforms us, and He is with us forever. We are not left to stumble and stagger in the consequences of our sins. Instead, God is there with us to walk with us every step of the way. I confess I need God every moment of the day.
FATHER GOD: Thank You for being our Father! Thank You for the provision of forgiveness, that when we confess our sins, You are faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen