Forgiveness

First Move 2023

Day four 

Forgiveness: letting go of offenses and hurt inflicted upon you by others knowingly and unknowingly. (this is my definition to deal with the topic).

Matt 6:14-15
14“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 
15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

This is a heavy and painful topic that may just take you into place you are trying to avoid and situations you would prefer to not revisit.
But can I be honest with, your ability to forgive and receive forgiveness are two of the most power, vital and all important part of being a Christaian
    There was no way for us to be saved except that we were forgiven of our sins and our rebellion against God.For God who is full of mercy forgave us and expressed love to us when we did not deserve it. 
     Now to our text at hand. Jesus was clear and concise that if we desire to be forgiven of our failures but refuse to forgive others we are being unjust in its right. God is just and requires us to do justice ourselves. He empowers us his Children who are heirs of His nature.  Forgiveness is a two way street. When you forgive someone you are released from the guilt of offense and your conscience is cleared. 
Forgiveness does more for you than the other person. But you may say the other part initiated the error and is totally guilty! Yes we are still obligated according to Jesus to forgive and turn the vindication over to the Lord. 
We all fail the Lord constantly in word, taught and deeds. But we are not cast out of his presence.  He shows compassion and mercy to us. Let us do the same to the people that may have hurt us. 

Eph 4:30  grieve not the Holy spirit.
Unforgiveness grieves the Holy Spirit and blocks God’s best from flowing our way.   
    Today is the day of your deliverance and breakthrough. It is time to let go and release it to the Lord. 

Gen 50:18-21
18 Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.”
19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 
20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. 
21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Joseph had all reason to hold unforgiveness in his heart. But yet when we saw his brothers after many years he chose to forgive them. 
Finally forgiveness proves your maturity and how much you have grown as a disciple. Joseph's heart was right with God so it was easy for him to let go of offense. And yes he went from the pit to the palace because of his maturity.

Remember all things are “Subject to Change”  as you yield to the Spirit of God.… even unforgiveness.

Let’s Go.
Pastor Sam.