It’s been a few years now, but me and a family member had gotten into a heated argument and words were exchanged.
It had gotten to the point of a fist fight nearly breaking out. But after that, we didn’t speak to each for a long time.
And it kind of split the family up. But as time went on and I would pray and talk to God, he would remind me of the argument and and tell me I need to forgive. But of course, I couldn’t do that. I couldn’t get past the anger and resentment. Through all of that, scripture would always come to mind, like Matthew 6:14-15 ”If you forgive those who sin against you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you.15 but if you refuse to forgive others, your father will not forgive your sins.” Or the part in the Lord’s Prayer that says “forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us.”
It’s an easy thing to say or to tell others” we forgive because we are forgiven” but it’s a different story when you actually have to forgive. Especially when harsh words were exchanged.
So I had to dig down deep within my heart to find forgiveness, and release the anger that I had. Not only for the other person, but for myself. And for my obedience to the Lord as well. In Matthew 18:21-22 it says” then Peter came to him and asked,”Lord,how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”22 “no,not seven times,” Jesus replied,” but seventy times seven!”
Then he goes on to tell the parable of the unforgiving debtor. But at the end of the parable, in verse 35, he says”That’s what my Heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters FROM YOUR HEART”.
My love for the Lord and knowing that he’s forgiven me seventy times seven times, has helped me to be forgiving to people. And look at them in a different light.
Because, not only does unforgiveness affect my salvation, but the other persons as well. By me forgiving someone, it brings peace to my heart and my life. And allows God to deal with that person as he sees fit. God wants all of his children to come back to him and this is one way in showing Gods love towards that person, that it might bring them to God. “For God so loved the world...”.
May the Lord bless you always.
Pastor Perry Stands