Forgiveness
Matthew 6:14-15 “For
if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also
forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not
forgive your sins.”
JESUS’ very direct teaching on forgiveness comes immediately
after he has just taught his disciples to pray, “Forgive us our debts (sins) as
we forgive our debtors (those who sin against us).” As Jesus has proclaimed the
radical new view of the blessings of kingdom living in the beatitudes of Matthew
5:3-11 and spoke plainly about love even as it applies to our enemies, he now
calls the congregation to a very radical, even offensive form of forgiveness.
We might say, “Yes,
I forgive my neighbor for parking his car on my side of the street. And I
forgive my spouse for getting home late from work. I even forgive the person
who sat in my spot in church last Sunday.” But Jesus’ teaching applies to
forgiving everyone, even those who repeatedly and violently offend us.
As Jesus preached
these words, he spoke in the midst of a society that in many ways dreamed of revenge.
The Jews had been under the power of various harsh governments in the 400 years
prior to Jesus’ arrival. The hated Romans and the hated Herod reigned over
Galilee and Judah as Jesus lived on earth. A great hope for the Messiah was
that he would lead an army to overthrow the oppressive rule.
Jesus wasn’t
interested in that kind of salvation. He was purposeful to teach forgiveness of
all, even those who oppress us daily, is essential for kingdom living. There is
no substitute for forgiveness. As you pray, “Father, forgive my sins.” Remember
that he will hear your prayer in response to your forgiveness of others.
LIFE Link: Forgive and feel a burden lifted.
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