Forgiveness: A Healing ForceSample

For Christ’s Sake

Ephesians 4 is Saint Paul's miracle formula concerning forgiveness. "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you." Notice the golden chalice of forgiveness presented by Saint Paul to the church, "…for Christ's sake (KJV).”

Colossians 3:13 reads, "Forgiving one another even as Christ forgave you, so also are you to do."

Jesus also taught the principle of going first to be reconciled to the person with whom there is unforgiveness. You must make the first move. When Jesus of Nazareth was teaching, He presented the "you make the first move principle."  He said, "Therefore, if you bring your offering to the altar, and there you remember a spiritual brother who has something against you, leave your gift at the altar and go your way. First, be reconciled to your brother (sister/whoever), and then come and present your gift to the Lord (Matthew 5:23-24).”

The point is you must make the first move. 

There's a grudge. There's resentment. There's anger. There's a bitterness that you feel towards another person (maybe even a group of people) for something that has been done to you. According to Jesus, stop praying. God is not listening. 

The forgiveness process does not begin until you go to the person (or persons) with whom you have offense and make the effort to be reconciled. You may need to make a phone call or send a letter to begin removing the barriers of resentment. If the other person rejects your effort, that's on them, not you. You are clear to return to the altar to be heard by God with a clear conscience and clean heart.

May the Lord bless you and may the Lord keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, giving you His peace. Who is it that you need to forgive? What is forgiveness? Forgiveness is an act of your will. It's not a warm and fuzzy feeling. Go to your brother or sister who has offended you to make amends and be reconciled. In Jesus’ name, amen.