Oh, For a Closer Walk – Part 2 - Forgiving

Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

Michael continues that to walk with God, we must know the importance of forgiving others. God has already forgiven us for the purpose of salvation. After we have been saved, in order to walk in fellowship with Him, our heart must be in the right place with respect to those whom God brings across our path. Our example is Jesus Christ himself. While He was being crucified Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” If any person has anything against his brother in Christ or sister in Christ, before bringing a gift to God’s altar, Jesus said, “first forgive your brethren, and then come back and present your gift to God.” Forgiving others is not for God, but for us. The old saying goes: I forgave and set the prisoner free, only to find that the prisoner was me. Unforgiveness resulting in resentment is the greatest burden. It’s hard to forgive until we know that for which we have been forgiven. When we, like the apostle Paul, understand that “unto me who am the least of all saints is this grace given”, it’s easy to forgive others. Grace is amazing when we know by experience that he “saved a wretch like me.”

Matthew 6:12 “Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.”

Although we were unworthy, now by His grace, His mercy has made us His own.  If you know Jesus Christ, you’re clean all over. However as we walk in this world, we must allow Jesus to wash our feet daily. This is our daily cleansing along the journey of life: “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

Romans 4:7-8 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”

Jesus Christ has called us to serve others as He has served us. Those who share their faith are those who are thankful for the grace of God. A thankful heart is the key to living in the joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is contagious. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. He has called us to deliver the message and to be the message. Therefore, preach the gospel. If necessary, use words. Be forgiving.

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

May God richly bless you,
Your brother in Christ, Michael