When we talk about forgiveness, we first have to define what it means and what it doesn’t. An article in Psychology Today states: "Forgiveness is the release of resentment or anger. Forgiveness doesn’t mean reconciliation. One doesn't have to return to the same relationship or accept the same harmful behaviors from an offender."
It’s hard to forgive. The need for revenge, retaliation, and holding a grudge at times seems to be part of our genetic makeup. But the truth is that forgiveness is one of the most powerful ways we have for living a blessed life.
Matthew 6:12-14 -- "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
Believing in Jesus and forgiving others grants you the blessing of forgiveness. And forgiveness provides the blessing of being accepted by God. It grants you the gift of eternal life. But Jesus adds a serious warning in the book of Matthew …
Matthew 6: 15 -- "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
So, though no amount of good works can earn you salvation, your unwillingness to forgive others can keep you from God’s forgiveness.
When Is The Right Time To Forgive?
Are you ready for the short answer? The right time to forgive is … NOW! Here’s what the book of Matthew says about it …
Matthew 5:23-24 -- "If therefore thou art offering thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."
There’s a very practical reason you should forgive now. Because tomorrow is promised to no one. Also, Proverbs 3:27 says that you should not withhold good. So, why withhold forgiveness?
Should You Forgive Someone More Than Once?
It can be hard to forgive someone once. Matthew asked Jesus if forgiving someone seven times (seven, a number that represents completeness) was enough. Jesus answered …
Matthew 18:21-22
Then came Peter and said to him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven.
Forgiving someone “70 X 7” times? That’s not an easy thing to do. But the spiritual rewards are beyond imagining.
Forgiveness – A Tool, An Action, A Blessing!
When you forgive you open a path to forgiveness for your own wrongdoings. You actively bring blessings to the ones you forgive and bring more blessings into your own life. Need to forgive someone? Do it now or you won’t be able to forgive yourself.
