One of the greatest challenges in life is forgiveness. Millions of people, even Christians are trapped in the prison of unforgiveness. And it robs God’s people of their peace, joy, health, and happiness. As we celebrate Easter, we can draw inspiration from the Master, whose ultimate goal was to forgive our sins and show us how to forgive others.
We all have unfair things happen to us. You may not think you can forgive those who have hurt you. But the truth is God has placed the ability in each of us to forgive because He knows we ourselves need to be forgiven. That is why the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus is so crucial to our faith. Without His forgiveness, we are doomed forever. Without learning to forgive, we abdicate our amazing future into the hands of our offenders. When you forgive, you set a prisoner free, and that prisoner is - you!
When we allow anger, hurt, and resentment to control us, we are allowing those who hurt us to have control in our lives. When we dwell on these thoughts and relive them over and over, we poison our own future from being able to blossom and flourish in the hand of a merciful God.
Several years ago, I had a painful experience with a co-worker. I invested thirteen years to train and groom a young man. He was like my son and a brother in the faith, – a jewel in my crown.
In the last year of working together, the Lord kept prompting that something was wrong. Time and again, I ignored it. In my eyes, this young man could do no wrong. How could he? After all, I had taught him right, – not only from my wisdom but also from the experience of my own mistakes. Without any probing on my own, the Lord exposed everything. The lies, betrayal, and deception came to light. I gave this man a choice to turn around but he did not want to. We parted ways.
I was angry, bitter, and resentful. I would continue to review the evidence stacked against him. I would read the emails that were lies. This offense consumed me!
Knowing better, after a period of time, I wrote him a letter of forgiveness. I expressed my desire to forgive him. I told him I would not hold any grudge against him. I tried to make it as easy on him to reconcile as I could. Unfortunately, he wrote me back without much of an apology, blaming me instead, covering up his wrong. I realized at that moment it was time to release this offense to the Lord. Since that day, he does not control me anymore. I feel great about forgiving him, but I feel better that I do not carry that offense anymore.
I have preached many messages on forgiveness, but this incident taught me a great lesson. Forgiveness is not benevolence, it is a necessity. It is about letting go of something that happened to you in the past so you can take hold of the amazing future God has in store for you. When you forgive people who have done you wrong, God will bring restoration to you. He will settle the account in such ways you never could. He will bring justice that no earthly judicial system can match.
After the resurrection, Jesus came back to talk to his disciples. In John 20:23, He said, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” What this verse says is that we have the power to forgive an offense or we risk the danger of becoming the same person we hate.
It is far better to forgive and forget than to hate and remember. When you do not forgive, you bear arms against yourself. Do not commit treason against your own life and purpose. Your future depends on many things; one is your ability to forgive. Unforgiveness blocks blessing; forgiveness releases blessing. Sometimes our prayers are not answered because we are not willing to forgive someone (Mark 11:25).
Forgiveness is not easy, but it is possible. Here is a three step process that can help you. First, make a decision to forgive (even when you feel otherwise). Second, say out loud or express to the person who offended you, "I forgive you!" Third, frequently remind yourself of your own need of forgiveness from the Lord. Quit dwelling on the offense. Stop replaying it in your mind over and over. Stop fueling bitterness by giving it an ounce of your time and energy.
Paul says in Ephesians 4:31-32, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (NIV)."
The best way you can celebrate this Easter is to release the past and claim the future. Forgiveness does not erase the former, but it does improve the later. Ask yourself: If God is willing to forgive all my sins, who am I to hold out on forgiving others?
Forgive - it's the last thing the enemy wants you to do!
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