I have oft repeated the story of a brother who received a phone call from a member who had long since left the church. Sadly, the person’s motives and actions had left bitterness in the mouth of more than one person. The brother was surprised when the person apologised for all actual or perceived hurts, either caused or participated in. Apparently, the former Christian had met a spiritual adviser who told them that they could make no progress without forgiving others and seeking their forgiveness.I have always wondered if this is an indictment against the Lord’s church? Just how did this soul miss that teaching in our sermons? In the Bible, for that matter?Jesus couldn’t have been plainer: “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions” (Mt.6:14-15).Forgive, or stay unforgiven! How hard is that to understand?So why the reluctance to forgive? Of all the feel-good activities on earth one must concede that ‘Nursing a grudge’ rates as the most popular. It’s amazing. Just push the right button and all will be revealed in living colour. You sit in wonderment as the least animated among us suddenly comes alive to explain in fine detail how the sins of others have ruined their life. They love it!But within that paradigm is spiritual stagnation and hopelessness. “Forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you,” is the Christian cry of hope (Eph.4:32).The maturing Christian concludes quickly that any ‘feel-good blame therapy’ is just adding to the devil’s soul count.A complete wiping of the ledger must take place in our hearts. Jesus cancelled my debt of sin against God, I will cancel the debt of sin of others against me.Thus, we pray:‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Mt.6:12).John StaigerIf you have been blessed by this message, please feel free to: Like, Comment or Share it with your friends. (323)
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