Introduction

A prominent couple in a church suffered great turmoil when it was revealed that the wife had been unfaithful several years earlier. The Pastor offered mercy and ministry and convinced the husband to remain in the marriage. As their last child left for college, the husband abruptly filed for divorce and telephoned the Pastor saying, “Don’t come, Pastor. I tried to forgive her, but never did. Don’t bother. It won’t help.”

Two types of forgiveness

1. Forgiveness For Self – “Debt” Something owed that must be paid back. It can be translated as “sin, trespass, shortcomings, resentments, what we owe to God, or anything we have done wrong.” We all need to seek God for the forgiveness of our personal sins – 1 John 1:8-10. Even Paul admitted that he was imperfect – Phil. 3:12 When we spend more time in His presence, we become more aware of His holiness and our sinfulness. Someone has said, ‘The greater the saint, the greater the sense of sin and the awareness of sin within.”
2. Forgiveness Of Others – An unforgiving spirit will totally destroy one’s prayer. Society exalts vengeance over forgiveness, but society is wrong! Unforgiveness will eat you alive spiritually, filling you with bitterness, anger, rage, anxiety, depression, etc. Paul calls it a “root of bitterness,” Heb. 12:15. There are three great reasons why we should practice the forgiveness of others.

Three (3) reasons why you must forgive

32. You Are Never More Like God Than When You Forgive – What kind of God do we serve? He is loving, gracious, kind and forgiving! When we forgive others, we are exercising true godliness, Eph. 4:32. Verse 10 – What is being done in Heaven? Worship, Exaltation of Jesus, Forgiveness of sin! You are literally bringing Heaven to earth when you forgive a brother in Christ – Matt. 18:18.
33. It Is Only Reasonable That Those Who Are Forgiven Forgive – (Matt. 18:21-35) He has forgiven us a massive debt, we can surely forgive our brother a much smaller one!
34. Failure To Forgive Results In Chastening – (Matt. 18:31-35) When we choose not to forgive, we will be tortured by bitterness, resentment, and loss of fellowship with God. In fact, when we refuse to forgive, we are usurping the place and power of God Himself – Rom. 12:19-21. We are playing God and none of us is qualified for that job.

Conclusion:

Let go of anger or it will destroy you. If you hold onto a lighted match long enough, you are the one who will    be burned. Forgiveness unlocks the door of our closed hearts. When God forgives, He forgets. “Love keeps no record of wrongs” (I Corinthians 13). Therefore, ask God for the empowerment from above to be able to forgive as many who have trespassed against you.  By Rev. Taiwo Iyanda on Sunday September 6^th 2015 at Lekki Baptist Church

Is it easy to forgive?

Please share your experience with others.

It depends!

However since unforgiveness has been described as “drinking poison and expecting the other person to die”, I would rather forgive no matter what. Moreover, it is only when I forgive that God will forgive my mistakes.  It may be difficult in some circumstances but It is possible with God’s help.

What do you think?