the practice of forgiveness
Mercedes López-Miranda
(Audio: Spanish)
SUMMARY: The practice of forgiveness is essential for emotional health and growth. We have all been offended and have offended others, and in order to maintain relationships, forgiveness is necessary. We are able to forgive because we have first been forgiven by God through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Forgiveness is mentioned throughout the Bible as a central concept, and it brings joy and transformation. However, with every privilege comes responsibility, and we are commanded to forgive others as we have been forgiven. The Our Father prayer is a reminder of this commandment.
Forgiveness is difficult, but it is a spiritual issue with spiritual consequences. Our humanity, pride, and selfishness make it hard to forgive, but we must obey God's command to forgive. Forgiveness is not an emotional issue, and we should not confuse forgiveness with reconciliation. We must seek reconciliation when possible, but forgiveness is our responsibility before God. Bitterness and resentment result from not forgiving, and it poisons us inside. Healing areas include rejection complexes and experiences that open doors for Satan. Forgiveness is not about whether someone deserves it or not, but it is about obedience to God. The restorative power of forgiveness can heal marriages and relationships. We can ask God for the grace to forgive and overcome the temptation to retaliate.
The story of Joseph in Genesis shows us the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Joseph's brothers betrayed him and sold him into slavery, but through God's providence, he became second in command in Egypt. When his brothers came to Egypt seeking food during a famine, Joseph had the opportunity to seek revenge, but instead, he forgave them and reconciled with them. This decision led to many blessings, including the reconciliation with his beloved father and the opportunity to be a channel of blessing for future generations. Forgiveness is a process that takes time, but when we choose to forgive, God can use us to bring healing and reconciliation to those around us.
Forgiveness is a mandate from God and it is necessary for us to follow it. Joseph forgave his brothers and was able to continue the fulfillment of God's promises to the previous patriarchs. By forgiving, we can see wonderful things happen in the hands of God. We should approach the throne of grace confidently to receive mercy and find grace to help us forgive. Forgiving is not always easy, but it is important to make the decision to forgive and trust that God will help us align our emotions with that forgiveness. The Lord will bless us for forgiving others. We should humbly obey God and ask for the grace we need to forgive.
Forgiveness is difficult, but it is a spiritual issue with spiritual consequences. Our humanity, pride, and selfishness make it hard to forgive, but we must obey God's command to forgive. Forgiveness is not an emotional issue, and we should not confuse forgiveness with reconciliation. We must seek reconciliation when possible, but forgiveness is our responsibility before God. Bitterness and resentment result from not forgiving, and it poisons us inside. Healing areas include rejection complexes and experiences that open doors for Satan. Forgiveness is not about whether someone deserves it or not, but it is about obedience to God. The restorative power of forgiveness can heal marriages and relationships. We can ask God for the grace to forgive and overcome the temptation to retaliate.
The story of Joseph in Genesis shows us the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Joseph's brothers betrayed him and sold him into slavery, but through God's providence, he became second in command in Egypt. When his brothers came to Egypt seeking food during a famine, Joseph had the opportunity to seek revenge, but instead, he forgave them and reconciled with them. This decision led to many blessings, including the reconciliation with his beloved father and the opportunity to be a channel of blessing for future generations. Forgiveness is a process that takes time, but when we choose to forgive, God can use us to bring healing and reconciliation to those around us.
Forgiveness is a mandate from God and it is necessary for us to follow it. Joseph forgave his brothers and was able to continue the fulfillment of God's promises to the previous patriarchs. By forgiving, we can see wonderful things happen in the hands of God. We should approach the throne of grace confidently to receive mercy and find grace to help us forgive. Forgiving is not always easy, but it is important to make the decision to forgive and trust that God will help us align our emotions with that forgiveness. The Lord will bless us for forgiving others. We should humbly obey God and ask for the grace we need to forgive.
Roberto has been talking about principles and practices that help us maintain and grow in our emotional health. And today I want to continue more or less in that line by adding one more practice and it is the practice of forgiveness. Before being whipped by the word, I want to acknowledge that in this church there are thousands, hundreds, of testimonials from people who have practiced precisely what I am going to do today: forgiveness.
I have been ministered to by the forgiveness that I have seen you exercise and give so generously in your lives. Among us there are people who have been betrayed by a husband, by a wife, who have been betrayed by a child, people who have suffered children who have died from the murder of another person. And I want to honor you by letting you know that your testimony is powerful within this town and is not overlooked. And if I, a human, don't overlook it, the Lord does not. The Lord is pleased with you when you have exercised that privilege that you have, that mandate to forgive in your lives. So I thank you for the living testimony that you give in the midst of your people of those acts of forgiveness.
I have been ministered to by the forgiveness that I have seen you exercise and give so generously in your lives. Among us there are people who have been betrayed by a husband, by a wife, who have been betrayed by a child, people who have suffered children who have died from the murder of another person. And I want to honor you by letting you know that your testimony is powerful within this town and is not overlooked. And if I, a human, don't overlook it, the Lord does not. The Lord is pleased with you when you have exercised that privilege that you have, that mandate to forgive in your lives. So I thank you for the living testimony that you give in the midst of your people of those acts of forgiveness.
