What is forgiveness? Oxford says it is the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven. But what is forgiveness actually? It is the release of the grip of offence taken or given that directly touches rejection and insecurity.
Jesus said in Matthew 6, For if you forgive other people
when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Paul wrote to the Ephesians, be kind and compassionate to
one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
In Luke 6 we read, do not judge, and you will not be judged.
Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be
forgiven.
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times
shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Forgiveness is not just letting go but in essence it is releasing
yourself, your soul, and your mind from hurtful bondage. Unforgiveness and holding
on to a grudge is merely putting shackles around your life stealing the kingdom
of God from you.
Forgiveness is not just a word that we randomly speak to make
people happy, it is the sword of release in a world where our downfall is imminent
and expected. Around you are millions of souls in bondage because of a broken
environment due to sin. Our downfall is when we allow our sinful nature to be
our compass in every decision and in every action.
Jesus displayed the true nature of forgiveness in love when He
hanged on the cross and forgave the man hanging next to Him. He spoke over the
crowd that wanted His end and asked the Father to forgive them. Both these acts
of forgiveness He did while in immense pain. The creator of heaven and earth
hanged on a cross where He was put by the very people He created and yet He
only desired freedom for them and finally He died and rose from the dead
defeating that same sin so that those who hated Him can also have forgiveness.
The truth about forgiveness is not merely the words that we
speak, but the entire release of a burden driven soul and letting go of
offences that brings nothing more than pain and regret and unwarranted sorrow. The
act of forgiving breaks the bondage that the enemy has over you and free you
from the lies that kept you captive.
The victory in forgiveness is breaking the silence of a need
to live free and opening your heart to the full blessing that lies in the kingdom
of heaven. Allowing Jesus to free you and to bring a new dimension in your relationship
with God. Forgiveness not only sets you free, but it heals. When your heart is
pure and your need for redemption is true, then the Father will heal you from
your pain and break the chains that the enemy has on you.
It is a life changer and life giver.
