Forgiveness

Matthew 6:14-15 “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
 
JESUS’ very direct teaching on forgiveness comes immediately after he has taught his disciples to pray, “Forgive us our debts (sins) as we forgive our debtors (those who sin against us).” Jesus has point upon point proclaimed the blessings of kingdom living based on the Beatitudes of Matthew 5:3-11. In truth, these teachings are based on God’s commands to love God and to love one another. Jesus is fulfilling the law as he teaches how to live into God’s law.
   He has spoken plainly about love even as it applies to our enemies. He then continues his life-giving teachings as he calls the congregation to a very new, even offensive response to those who sin against us.
   What does forgiveness mean to you? Is it in the framework of such mild infractions as, “Yes, I forgive my neighbor for allowing his dog to bark all night. I forgive my spouse for ignoring my wants. I even forgive the person who sat in my spot in church last Sunday.”
   But Jesus’ teaching applies to forgiving each person who sins against us - even those who repeatedly and violently offend us. For the Jews, this forgiveness was as an insult. It meant acceptance and cooperation with Rome and even the hated tax collectors. As a nation, the Jews had been under the power of various harsh empires – Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome – in the 600 years prior to Jesus’ arrival. What’s more, the evil Herods reigned over Galilee and Judah as Jesus spoke these words. A great hope for the Messiah was that he would lead an army to overthrow the oppressive rule. Certainly no Messiah would talk of forgiveness! How is it possible to forgive such offenses?
   Remember, Jesus is teaching us how. Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” And the Holy Spirit continued such teaching through James 2:13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! 
   Truly, forgiveness is an essential for kingdom living, isn’t it? Think about it. There is no substitute for forgiveness, for releasing the sins against you. You can only have eternal life through God’s merciful forgiveness of your sins. You can only live in peace with family members when you forgive them, and they forgive you. You can only live with an open mind to know and obey God’s rule when your heart is free of revenge and hateful retribution. Forgiveness softens and smooths your heart, so you are able to absorb God’s love and to love others. Forgiveness gives you and the other person the opportunity to build a close, vibrant loving relationship that can glorify God’s name.
   Even more, as you pray, “Father, forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” you are reminded of God’s eternal forgiveness. You become aware, also, God will hear your prayer in response to your forgiveness of others. If you are unwilling to forgive others, God will be unwilling to forgive you. Forgive others, even your enemies. Show Jesus to a world who needs to know the One who said from the cross, “Father, forgive them.” (Luke 23:34)
 
Jesus Teaches: Forgive and be free to be forgiven.