To Forgive or Not To Forgive?

What a question!  Most Christians will say "What a ridiculous question" of course you must forgive.  Yet how often in life do we walk around with bitterness in our hearts over things that are in the past?  How often do we bear false witness against others because of trivial situation that is long forgotten by the other person?  How often do we bear the shame of our pasts because we can not wrap our heads around the concept that God has forgiven us of our transgressions?  How often do we wallow in fear, self-loathing, and unhappiness because even though we want to believe, we don't?

Romans 12:17-21

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge: I will repay," Says the Lord.  20 On the contrary:

"If you enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV)

What does this say to you?  How difficult is it to forgive?  How much easier is revenge?  The challenging thing about both is that neither is yours to give or conduct.  Vengence is the Lord's.  Just like forgiveness is granted unto you through the grace of God by his gift of salvation through the death of Jesus Christ.

Often we struggle with the matters of forgiveness of others as a way to avoid facing the matter of forgiving ourselves.  This is a tool of the evil one.  Matthew 7:3 (NIV) "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye, yet pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" This is Jesus warning about criticizing others.  And I believe that we use this criticism of others to avoid taking a strong hard look at ourselves.

Why did Jesus come in flesh form?  He came to save the world (John 3:17).  Yet we resist.  Yet we fight.  Yet we criticize.  Yet we continue to hurt others.  Yet we continue to hurt ourselves.

I want you to watch the following video.  I warn you it is graphic in nature.  Listen to the words and watch as the images play across the screen.


 
Personally, I sob uncontrollably everytime I watch this portion of the Passion of the Christ.  Say whatever you will about Hollywood's interpretation of the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, but it is my belief that this movie really only shows a small percentage of what he ACTUALLY suffered in order that you and I might have redemption.  When you emotionally respond, it is only a very small percentage of what God must have endured so that you and I might have redemption.
 
One of the greatest prophesies in the old Testament comes from Isaiah 53:5.
 
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought up peace was upon him,
    and BY HIS WOUNDS WE ARE HEALED. (NIV)
 
Many years before the birth of Jesus Christ, and by the grace of God, Isaiah was able to glimpse into the future.
 
It is because of God's sacrifice of his one and only son, Jesus Christ that we have forgiveness.
 
Ephesians 1:7-8 “7In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of God's grace, 8that he lavished upon us with all wisdom and understanding” (NIV).
 
Yet even with these wonderful passages, we still can't let go.
 
Numerous times (Hebrews 10:15-17, Psalm 32:2, Col 2:14, plus many more) the Bible reminds us of God's love and how HIS forgiveness blots out our sins.  That we are free.  We will always be sinners.  No man can be perfect.  But when we fall, God will be there with us, wrapping us in His embrace and His love.
 
I want to leave you today with three things.
 
1. A blessing of scripture.  Use this in your daily walk.  Use this in your interactions with others.  When that person cuts in front of you in traffic.  When that little kid kicks you in the shins.  When your boss yells at you.  When you feel low and unworthy.  When you feel unloved.
 
Romans 4:7-8
 
7"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven,
      whose sins are covered.
8Blessed is the man
      whose sin the Lord will never count against him."
 
2.  A blessing of forgiveness.  If you have not asked Jesus to be your personal savior, do so.  It is not difficult to start the conversation with Him.  Say a prayer to him.  Here is an example:
 
Dear Lord Jesus,
     I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness.  I believe that You died for my sins.  I want to turn from my sins.  I now invite You to come into my heart and life.  I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior.
                                           In Jesus' name.
                                           Amen.
 
When you do this, share the good news with someone who will stand in the gap with you, to pray with you, to go with you on your journey.
 
3.  A blessing of rememberance.  When you feel the struggles of life coming on, when you feel like someone really deserves their due, when you feel low; I want you to find this post.  Watch the embedded video.  Read the scriptures.  Challenge yourself to remember that Christ died for you and anyone else that you are having issues with.  Pray to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding and pray forgiveness for your situation.  And TRUST that the Lord wil answer and provide.
 
Blessings to each of you.  I love you and God does too.
 
Pastor Jim