FORGIVENESS

RAINING TRUTH WATERING THE GARDEN






Watering the Garden

FORGIVENESS



Jesus explains that we will be forgiven in the same manner as we forgive.



There are those who wrong us in ignorance. Remember Jesus' statement while dying on the cross. “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) Later, in the book of Acts, we have the example of Steven asking for the forgiveness of those who were stoning him. He said, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge”. These words of Paul confirm that he did the same: “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me. I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.” (II Timothy 4:16)



Jesus, Steven and Paul asked forgiveness for the people because of their ignorance and so can we.



We are not asked to forgive people who have intentionally harmed others or ourselves, unless they have repented or asked, but in order to have peace of mind; we may choose to forgive them in our hearts. Carrying hate in our heart can be destructive to our own life.



Peter questioned Jesus how often a person should forgive another. In the book of Matthew, Jesus answered Peter in depth: “I say not unto thee, until seven times; but, until seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:22) The total of seventy times seven equals four hundred and ninety.



Scripture:

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15)



And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. (Mark 11:25-26)



Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. (Luke 17:3-4)



WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?

We are forgiven in the same manner as we forgive. Jesus, Steven and Paul forgave others who had not asked because they understood their ignorance. We are not required to forgive those who do not ask, but for our own benefit we should.



Our Father appreciates the fact that you are trying. May God’s blessing be upon this

study of His word, Amen.

Susan