Forgiveness

I started reading about forgiveness the other day. I wondered why I still felt so guilty sometimes, even when I had changed things or thought I had gotten past something, and do I really need to think about forgiveness on a daily basis. First answer is, because I had not truly changed “repented” or just never had asked for forgiveness “confessed – admitted”. Second answer is, absolutely! I need forgiveness everyday, from God and everyone else. I need to grant it more freely also. We need to ask for it, and give it continuously with God and man because our sin separates us from fellowship.

Only way to restore this fellowship is repent, confess and then we can receive forgiveness. This renews our fellowship.
I believe it has to come in this order also. Repenting is turning away from our sin, whatever it may be. This is the stage where we acknowledge we sinned and desire to change. May seem like a big sin, may seem like a small one. Doesn’t matter, God will forgive it and they all separate us from him. Confessing is admitting you sinned and simply asking for forgiveness. This sounds easier than it is. I don’t know why this can be so difficult. I guess our pride has something to do with it, but we just have to ask God to forgive it and he does. These two things must be done to truly be forgiven. This often requires a broken heart. God has to break us down sometimes so he can build us back up stronger. Great thing for us is God has already forgiven all our sins, but we still need to ask so we can renew fellowship and let go of our guilt. All these work together.

We need forgiveness from God first, but we really need it with each other on a daily basis also. We need to be examples of how to ask for forgiveness and how to give it. Not giving it is just as sinful. All sins or wrongs are against God first and foremost. Even if they seem to be just against each other. God told us to love and treat everyone as he would, so if we don’t, we disobeyed him. The bible shows us that true joy and peace can only come from God’s mercy and forgiveness. We could never accomplish this or overcome our burdens or guilt alone. This also goes for family, friends, co-workers or total strangers. Sometimes the people closest to us are the toughest. We all hate to admit our imperfection to the people that mean the most, but that brings us back to God and each other.

As an example: I have always had a problem with forming opinions a little too quickly and giving them way too freely. They could be about anything. Didn’t matter if I was right or wrong it was my opinion and I gave it however I wanted, even hurtfully sometimes. Problem was I had formed one about my brother-in-law. I had questioned a couple decisions he had made when my sister was pregnant. I had probably given that opinion a couple of times and never thought twice about it. “I am always right so who cares”. Someone finally brought this to my attention as I was bringing it up again. After they really made me think of what I was complaining about, I was ashamed. I was criticizing him about leading a bible study for the youth instead of being at home with my sister during her pregnancy. Having time to think about this I was wrong for so many reasons. Who am I to question how he follows God? God even comes before family! What do I even know about being a husband and a father anyway? I felt terrible! This is a man that works his tail off so my sister doesn’t have to and comes in the door and plays with the boys before he even eats. This is the Godly man that I could only hope to be one day. Come to find out, he probably has at least felt this between us and I know now that it has hampered our fellowship. I have felt guilty about this for a while. Wow, this sounds familiar doesn’t it? Only way I have found to renew the fellowship is: Repent – no more opinions and big mouth – only God’s word instead of opinions and holding my tongue a lot more. Confess –already did with God – brother-in-law is next. Forgiveness – God already has – brother-in-law will too. Renewed fellowship and true joy – I am looking forward to being closer to my brother than ever before. Greatest thing about God and family is unconditional love. It is given when we don’t deserve it.

Just think about this wherever you may be or whomever you may be with. Be quicker to ask for forgiveness and even quicker to give it. Only way I have found to truly be joyful and release quilt that destroys fellowship. Be the example God wants us to be. You never know who is watching. I truly believe this can change the lives of everyone around you. What if we all went around forgiving everyone of all the stuff we have been holding on to? What if someone upsets us and we apologized for getting upset? Maybe some of them would ask us why? Answer is Jesus! He died on the cross so we could be forgiven by simply repenting and asking!

These are some of the verses I read while studying and I also looked up repent, confess and forgiveness in Webster’s. I thought it was interesting that even in a book written by man, these words referred to sin or God in first or second definition except for forgiveness, but it is very appropriate. God pardons us and gives up resentment.

I love you all and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it!

Bez


REPENTENCE: to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life.
2 Chronicles 7:8-11, Judges 2:1-5, 1 Kings 21:24-25, Luke 15:22-26, Ezekiel 6:5-13, Exodus 9:27-35, Acts 3:19-20, Deuteronomy 31:22-33, Luke 15:8-10

CONFESSION: to acknowledge sin to God – admit.
1 John 1:6-12, 1 Chronicles 21:8, Psalms 32:1-8, James 5:16,

FORGIVENESS: to give up resentment of or claim to requital for – pardon
Psalms 103:9-14, Psalms 51:1-10, Genesis 50:15-21, Matthew 5:32, Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 18:21-35, Romans 4:6-8, Romans 12:17-21, Hebrews 10:17