When it comes to forgiveness, everyone wants it, but not everyone wants to give it. This is often the case for unbelievers and those that say they believe in Jesus, but haven’t been born again in the Spirit. For if they had the Spirit of God in their lives, then they would realize how forgiveness is not only important to them but to others also. And though it may seem hard to forgive sometimes, it is always better to let go of our fears and simply trust in God, while forgiving one another. If there are any barriers in our lives, God wants to tear them down, while helping us forgive those people that have wronged us. What a relief it is to let God tear down those walls we’ve built up, that His love and other people’s love may start to penetrate our lives. There is joy in the Lord and in the person’s life, when those that are sorry finally hear the words, you are forgiven. So do as Paul said and 1“put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” (Colossians 3:12-14) Doing this will change your life. When we start living like Jesus did, then there is so much more joy in our lives. And because our old life is done away with, the Holy Spirit is able to dwell with us and lead us on the path of righteousness. What a wonderful time this is for everyone that commits to following Jesus. This is when the mercies of God is felt and His forgiveness is made known unto us. We are no longer living in darkness and fear, but in His light, where there is only love.
So if you are ready to go all-in for Jesus, then do as Paul said and 1“mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” (Colossians 3:5-10) Giving up such things is what God expects of us, in order for Him to save us and then be with us on our life’s journey. And when we are willing to let go of our addictions and sins that are holding us back, this is when we are able to walk in the Spirit. We don’t have to rely on our own desires to lead us to what appears to be good in this life, but allow the Lord to lead us in His light. Doing this tells God that we need a Savior and Jesus is able to save us from our sins, and from any broken relationships in our lives. If anything is broken now, He is able to mend those broken ties, by ushering in His love. We then can’t help but forgive all people. Even before a person says sorry, we have already forgiven them as God has forgiven us. We also have no more fear of such people, of which God gives us boldness to tell them they are forgiven, if that is necessary. What a relief this is, not only to say that we are sorry to God and people but to tell others, as God tells us, that they are forgiven. This is what God expects of all of us. So if you love Him, then you will do His will also.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people would be willing to put off anything in their lives that is holding them back from You. More specifically, I am speaking of sins, addictions, and unforgiveness. Convict these people of the things that they need to work on, that they may come boldly to the cross and follow You, Jesus. I know from experience, as You know also, that while walking in darkness, I am unable to do as You say. It is always my own desires getting in the way. What I think is right always gets in the way of living the right way that You have prescribed for me. Therefore, I am so grateful that You have rescued me while taking me out of the life of sin I was in. You also heard my cries and had mercy for my soul. Thank You for showing such kindness and love for my life. Though I was not able to forgive and show the same mercy to others as You did for me, I was amazed that You still had compassion for my life. Instead of judging me because of where I was, You saw the potential in my life. I may not have had the capacity to let go of my barriers then, because of fear, but because of Your great love for me, all those walls have been torn down in Your mighty Name, Jesus. Thank You, Lord. There is no more fear, but boldness in my life now for others and Your kingdom. There are no more hard feelings towards anyone that has hurt me but only love for them. I am able to forgive because You forgave me first. What a great God You are. I was lost and You found me. There was not much going for me, but You picked me up and showed me the way. If I am anything and have accomplished things now, it is because You dwell in my life. I owe all to You, Jesus. My life is yours. I am so happy now, and it is because Your love dwells with me. Thank You for filling me up with Your joy. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Colossians 3 (KJV)
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.