Forgiveness

 Forgiveness is a word that we can have much discussion on these days. We live in a world where complete strangers have been known to fuss and cuss people out, over a parking space or someone passing them or getting in front of them on the highway. If all of that is bad enough, there are friends who have been friends for years that have fallen out over one thing or another and thrown a friendship away and even family members have had fallings out and stop speaking to one another. 

Pride is behind it all and God’s word clearly warns us that pride will destroy. 

“Pride goeth before destruction, And an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Sadly people have allowed pride to steal their peace, joy, friendships and tear apart families because of their pride and their refusal to forgive.

 Jesus was beaten, spit on and crucified by the very people he came to save and yet He forgave.

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If Jesus could forgive all that was done to Him, why can’t we obey Him and His word and forgive?

In His simple teaching on how to pray, Jesus addresses forgiveness and lets us know that we won’t be forgiven if we don’t forgive.

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭15‬ ‭KJV‬

If we want God’s forgiveness, we must renounce the sinful pride that is causing us to disobey God’s word on forgiveness.

Meaning it from your heart, pray this prayer…

Dear God, I release everyone that I held anything against and I forgive them and I ask Your forgiveness. God, give me the strength and courage to always forgive and I thank you for it, in Jesus name Amen.

If you have never asked God’s forgiveness of your sins and asked Jesus to be Lord of your life, or if you have, but strayed away from your relationship with God, meaning it from your heart, pray….

Dear God, forgive me of all my sins and I ask that your Son Jesus come into my heart and be Lord of my life and now I thank You for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

Congratulations and welcome to the family of God. Get a Bible and begin reading from the book St. John in the New Testament said experience God’s love, through His word. Find a good church that believes and teaches all of God’s word. 

If you are in the Hampton Roads area, Victory Life Church at 1741 West Queen Street in Hampton Virginia is that Bible believing church and we would love for you to come and visit and worship with us.

Blessings to all who read this and please feel free to share this brief message on forgiveness. Thank you and blessings to you,

                                              Evangelist Don Forrest Sr.