Seeking Jesus First May 7, 2025
Must we really forgive those who wrong and hurt us in order to receive forgiveness?
There is no other way to read what the LORD JESUS said… “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15, NKJV)
Forgiveness is a work of mercy. Forgiveness is a work of faith. Forgiveness is a work of hope. Forgiveness is a work of love. Forgiveness is a work of GOD. Forgiveness is freely given and freely received. In order for forgiveness to be present, it has to flow like a river into and out of us. If we are not giving forgiveness, we are not receiving forgiveness.
Listen, forgiveness is not earned. Forgiveness is a gift. Look at the word, “For - Give”. If you earn right standing with someone, you yourself have made atonement and restitution and you yourself have proven yourself worthy. However, righteousness is a gift that resulted from faith in Christ Jesus. We were not able to make atonement and restitution for ourselves. Christ Jesus did that for us. We may be able to make restitution to our neighbor or family member whom we have wronged., but we cannot make restitution to God. All we can do is walk by faith, hope and love and keep His words. He even makes it possible for us to do that by the power of His Spirit in us.
“Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:28–29, NKJV)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.” (John 13:34–36, NKJV)
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31–32, NKJV)