PeaceWhy must we forgive?

1 John 1.9 : "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Definition: the fact of not keeping rigor of a fault; forgiveness of an offense: grant forgiveness.

2 Corinthians 5.19 : "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and he put the word of reconciliation in us."

From time immemorial, the Holy Spirit does not cease to act, to work to show his state of sin to man. If we want to understand the miserable moral state that holds us we must think of the cross, to God giving His beloved Son for the salvation of men. We must appropriate the value of his sacrifice, not only to make us sinners forgiven, but also to be children of God. True love is nourished by forgiveness.

2 Corinthians 5.19 : "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself...."

When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are reconciled to God. So that's good news! This is the very meaning of the gospel. Translation from the ancient Greek "euangéliou" good news being proclaiming the Word of God. Those who do not recognize Jesus Christ do not recognize their state of sin and therefore refuse God's forgiveness. They are unfortunately destined for eternal separation from God.

Romans 8.2 : "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death."

Think a little about guilt for every bad thought, every bad word, every bad action, jealousy of gossip, ... Now think a little about the sin of the whole world, and how amazing it is that Jesus took all our guilt and has been replaced by justice. Think about how wonderful it is to be declared "not guilty" simply by asking the Lord for forgiveness and turning away from his iniquities.

Ephesians 1.7 : "In him (Jesus Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the remission of sins according to the riches of his grace."

God's forgiveness: To live in the shelter of sin is to live free from guilt; the forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ gives us this freedom. You can be certain that the grace of God is at work in your life: When God forgives you, you will feel joy as well as the feeling that you have been taken off a heavy load.

Matthew 6.14 : "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you...."

Forgiveness to others : You may feel joy and feel freer when you forgive others. Or, on the contrary, you may think that the person who offended you does not deserve your pardon. But consider this: to forgive someone who has hurt you, allows you to spend the rest of your life while trusting in the justice of God, who has forgiven you! So set your mind free to fix it on the will of God who loves you and desires that we all be saved.

Colossians 3.13 : "As Christ forgave you, forgive you also."

Conclusion: forgiveness in Jesus Christ liberates the soul, it is emancipating and of paramount importance. It can be difficult in the beginning, but its application restores and offers us new perspectives. You will also feel that sense of freedom when you forgive others. God loves us and does not hold us against our sins. To accept forgiveness is also to accept the light on our life. God condemns sin, but He always offers His forgiveness to those who sincerely repent and share. The Lord is merciful so forgive and you will be forgiven!

Romans 6.23 : "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Amen!