Living Lessons on ForgivenessSample

Through the years, Matthew 6:14-15 has been a confusing verse to me. I know that Christ’s work on the Cross is total and sufficient; that we are forgiven for past, present, and future sins. In Matthew, Jesus had not yet died. The Colossians verse emphasizes what Christ has done and how it affects us who believe in Him. All our transgressions are forgiven. So what does the Matthew verse mean? 

It seems that this verse is more about fellowship with God and other people than it is about salvation. Unconfessed and unforgiven sin causes walls and lack of connection. The Father wants us to make things right with each other. Jesus came to save, redeem and restore.

Think about a family where two brothers are having conflict; they’re too angry to work it out, so each is sent to his room. Dad and Mom are not happy with the conflict and everyone is affected and out of sorts. Dad’s love doesn’t change, but neither is he going to take sides and be okay with one son and not the other. He wants the whole family to be reconnected, glad to be together and on the same track again. The forgiveness is there, wrapped in the Dad’s love, but until the brothers forgive and return to joy with each other, the Dad’s fellowship is not the same with either one. He can’t display the forgiveness wrapped in his love until they forgive each other. 

God has forgiven us and given us a new life through Christ—we were dead and now He has made us alive. The Psalmist tells us that our sins are as far away as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12) Jesus tells us to treat others as He treats us. (Matthew 7:12) Our Heavenly Father wants His family to forgive, reconnect, and stay in fellowship. Forgiveness is a main ingredient.

So as we explore the aspects of forgiveness, I believe it will help if we first look at some things that forgiveness is not, some things it is, and some questions about forgiveness. We will see the reasons for continuing His work of forgiveness with one another. (Romans 5: 6-8) The result will be intimacy with Christ and others.

Application: 

Keep an open mind about forgiveness as we look at its different aspects. There may be some ideas that are new to you. Your Heavenly Father wants intimate fellowship with you.