“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”. Familiar scriptures we recognize the death of our Savior on the cross. This holiday season as we recognize the birth of our Savior, forgiveness is even more required. See over 2000 years ago God’s love for us so much that He sent His son through the birth of virgin to live among us to teach us how we were created to live. A son that died on the cross to pay the sin debt for our life. To give us a path to seek forgiveness for our actions far from pleasing to our Heavenly Father. A path without the blood offering that has proven insufficient price.
Forgiveness the highest form of love
Why is forgiveness needed?
In Matthew 6:14-15, it states “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins”. In Matthew 5: 23-24 we learn “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift”. Mark states in Chapter 11: 25-26 “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
This season the greatest gift we can give in honor to the birth of our Savior is love towards one another. In loving each other we must forgive them for the hurt and pain they have caused us. We must seek forgiveness from those that have strife against us. Through this action then we can be free to give a sinless gift to worship the Savior. Then by offering this gift, our God can forgive us of the act we have committed against His word.
Remember forgiveness is not for those that have offended. Forgiveness is to allow the connection to Creator and creation to stay in sync without disruption. As a Pastor stated in s recent lesson, “God will not hold me responsible for the action you have toward me, but will hold me responsible for my behavior towards you.” Lack of forgiveness should not be on the of marks held against you.
This season, offer your apology to those that hold unforgiveness towards you. Then you forgive those that have hurt, harmed, or shamed you. With all of your heart try to bridge the gap that separates your family and unite once again in love. But if they choose not to forgive and let go, you let go and let God have his way. Knowing your heart is pure against them and move on with the grace of our Lord.
Freedom of Forgiveness
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