"FORGIVE US our TRESPASSES, as WE FORGIVE THOSE who TRESPASS AGAINST US!" (Matthew 6:12)
With a New Year right around the corner, normal routine would be to straighten up our house, cleaning it from top to bottom, every nook and cranny. In addition, comprising a resolution, or promissory list, to do better in various areas.
But are we completely sure our bodies, minds and souls are just as prepared throughout, that we are continuing to bear our Heavenly Father’s attributes, in this time? Do we find there are those who we emphatically feel we dislike, even hearing their name mentioned, we cringe, becoming unnerved, after years of making it through? In other words, where do we stand!
What does it mean, to FORGIVE?
Dictionary defines that we should be able to
Disregard, Excuse, Pardon, Overlook, Ignore, Dismiss, REDEEM!
"To STOP feeling angry or resentful toward SOMEONE for ANYTHING DONE to us (an offense, flaw, or mistake)."
Yeshua/Jesus laid the foundation, showing us how to truly pray and ask of the Father what is deemed necessary, in order to present a victorious life. One of the requests He clearly stated was making sure that if there is ANYONE, past or present, who may have said or done something to upset us deeply, we should implore the Father to remove those awful feelings from us.
We profess so much that we are our Heavenly Father’s children, the called witnesses of His glorious assignment. But how is it that we can plainly state we can “forgive, but not forget?”
Jesus said, "Father, FORGIVE them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)
Forgiveness is an imperative trait to exhibit. In order to forgive, we must first realize that we ourselves are nothing but dust; imperfect creatures, who have performed some incredible feats in our own lives, that took others by surprise, yet our imperfections were overlooked, treated with the Father’s Love and Mercy. That leaves a compelling blessing, considering the fact we sometimes have a difficult time viewing some individuals the same way, especially when they’ve hurt or harbored us as though we were a “red-haired stepchild,” with no sentiments of heart.
It’s extremely challenging to know that even the Messiah, while hanging on that cross between two thieves, carrying all our sins, even assuming the Father had forsaken Him, was continued to show love and forgiveness. He could have dealt with how everyone made Him feel, and say, “Father, these people are heartless, so I cannot see myself giving my life for them! Hateful, malicious individuals they are! They don’t even know why You sent me here, and don’t care! Let’s just forget it! I’m not doing it!” Instead, while hanging in unquestionable pain, He prayed for ALL of them, that the Father would disregard what they did or how they thought, and continue to LOVE them, in spite of.
Mark 11:25 tells us, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your sins."
Whether a person ticked you off at work 15 years ago, while tap-dancing on your last nerve, or that person your ex ended up with, after being monetarily coerced, or the fact that everything someone promised you never came to fruition, so much we are constantly reminded of the issue, we need to ask the Father to constantly provide us with a forgiving heart, just like His.
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you! But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:14-15)
Are we truly walking in the Father's footsteps, revealing HIS anointed Fruit of the Spirit to EVERYONE, INCLUDING those individuals we DON'T LIKE? It's high time to STOP holding things against other people, especially when the FATHER has forgiven us, and continues to keep us cleansed, remembering no more what ANY of us have done.
It’s our responsibility, that we reflect the Father’s characteristics, everywhere, all the time! There are too many sad, lonely, forgotten people, who consistently feel no one cares about them, trying everything imaginable to exist. However, while we are shouting and dancing in the church buildings, singing happy praises that we are so blessed beyond words, because we know we’re forgiven, we are not exempt when it comes to passing that same faith to those we hold grudges against.
Lessons are learned! We made it through those challenging moments, with the Father’s merciful guidance, and undying Love. So shall we keep in mind when it comes to those who have become the “bane” of our existence for one reason or another, to lift them to the Father, forgive them, and watch how our life further rejuvenates, as He uses us for HIS Kingdom!
Peace, everyone!
