Forgive because you've been forgiven

Matthew 6:14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

These words from our LORD are difficult yet pleasant.  Pleasant because our Father has forgiven us our many sins against Him.  How freeing and amazing it was that day we realized He would & did so.  Recently, while talking to a new brother in the LORD, he was just so amazed at this new reality of Gods forgiveness.  He really caused me to remember the huge weight taken off my shoulders when I received Gods forgiveness.  Everyone is usually good with this benefit.  
Yet Jesus' words are difficult in that He puts this condition attached to it.  "If I forgive men." This isn't a works inspired realization.  It is a proof that you have truly seen your sins as that which was destroying your life, discovered God was willing to abolish those sins and offer forgiveness.  This forgiveness totally overshadowed anything done by everyone else in which doesn't come close in comparison to what Ive done and been forgiven.  If Jesus is now my LORD, He desires to not only forgive me but all those who have wronged me.  Who am I to withhold such freedom from bitter bondage from my brother?  I know, if I don't forgive, I cant be forgiven and it proves I didnt really receive real life changing forgiveness from the LORD.  My LORD has taught me, love keeps no records!  I don't speak for anyone else, but my LORD speaks loud and clear to me.

2 Comments


Missy Holaday - March 19th, 2024 at 8:56am

Nice! This coincides with the first scripture in my notes that I'm sharing at the women's conference this weekend. Colossians 3:12-14

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

13bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

14But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

😊

Jon - March 20th, 2024 at 7:59am

Great cross reference.

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