Probably if we were all left to our own devices we could come up with a zillion reasons why we refuse to forgive someone or some people. But with all my heart I encourage you to consider these 4 truths and to act humbly, swiftly, and obediently in response to this message I so strongly believe the Lord has compelled me to share with you.
1. The Lord commands us to forgive people whether we want to or not, think we should or not, feel like we should or not, and regardless of what the person or people did and did not do. Forgiveness is to be an act of obedience to God almighty.
2. The Lord gives us the ability to do what He commands us to do whereby through the Lord Jesus Christ we are able to live in a godly way. Therefore we can and should cry out to God to help us live in obedience to Him including when we are struggling to forgive.
“as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 NKJV
3. God will not forgive us if we do not forgive others.
“”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 6:14-15 NKJV
4. The Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for sinners, yes, for the ungodly, so who are we to judge and condemn and refuse to forgive others their sins when in fact we are ALL sinners in need of the forgiveness of the Lord?
“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8 NKJV
Friend, is there someone or some people you are refusing to forgive?
“”Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37 NKJV
I sum this all up with one simple word.
FORGIVE!