Five Ways Forgiveness Can Help
Posted: Sunday, January 24, 2010
by Johney Maron
http://www.johneymaron.com
When I walked into Starbucks to meet my friend Terry, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Okay, so I knew what kind of coffee I was going to order, but I wasn't sure why Terry wanted to meet me. Since our big argument four months ago, we had hardly exchanged a few words, even though we passed each other in church with a nervous nod every so often. Before even taking the first sip of his latte, Terry stammered kind of awkwardly, John, I-..I need to ask your forgiveness. Over the next half hour we talked, and as we talked the awkwardness vanished. Our relationship was restored. We prayed together. We cried together. And we didn't even care that our coffee was getting cold.
Here are five ways in which forgiveness can help in your life.
It helps your relationship with God
Forgiveness is all about God. God wants us to forgive others so we can have a relationship with him. In fact, Jesus' words are almost shocking in their candidness: If you do not forgive other people, God will not forgive you. It's that simple. That means it is impossible to have a genuine relationship with God if you refuse to offer forgiveness to others. (See Matthew 6:14-15; 18:35; Mark 11:25-26; Luke 6:37.)
It reminds you of how God forgave you.
Forgiveness gives us a valuable lesson in the act of Ultimate Forgiveness - Jesus' death in our place. Sin requires punishment. And every one of us has sinned. But God sent Jesus - our forgiveness. (See Matthew 9:6; Mark 2:10; Luke 6:47; John 1:9; Ephesians 1:7.)
It restores your relationships with others.
Think of the most damaged relationship you have in your life. Why did it become that way? Ultimately, it was sin. But it may also have to do with failure to forgive. Forgiveness is a powerful thing. It has the power to totally transform a relationship. Realize that you may have the power to totally change a ruined relationship through the simple act of forgiveness. (See Mark 11:25; Luke 17:3-4.)
It brings confidence for the future.
Relationships are tough things. Sometimes, you don't always know which direction they're going to go. Can you trust him? Should you start a friendship with her? Realizing the power of forgiveness gives you confidence when forging future relationships. Forgiveness is a tool that can save the worst marriage, reconcile the most hateful enemies, and bond the most alienated friends. And if you don't think so, take a look at what you were before salvation (Ephesians 2:1-3) and what you've become through God's forgiveness (Ephesians 2:4-7).
It brings the peace of reconciled relationships.
Do you know what it is like to put your head on your pillow at night, confident that you are right with God and with others? It's an unbeatable feeling. It is a feeling that you can never experience if you refuse to forgive anyone. Real forgiveness means real reconciliation. And reconciliation will bring an unbelievable level of peace.
But it's so hard! I know. Forgiveness is like taking a huge bite of humble pie. But, realize that God is the one who gives you grace to grant that forgiveness. How difficult was it for Jesus to die on the cross? The peace, the joy, and the freedom that forgiveness brings will make it all worth while.
--------
Johney Maron is a part time author who has an interest in college student ministries. College Souls is a Colorado Christian University (CCU) ministry dedicated to internet student evangelism focusing on current and future college students. This internet student ministry provides a place for students to go to share concerns, ask questions, and find information on real life issues.
This Article has been viewed 88 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.