Forgiveness We are in the middle of an election season when massive amounts of money are invested in ads that are heavily focused on pointing out the unacceptable transgressions of political opponents. As great as the candidate may be that is approving the content of the ad, it seems that pointing out unforgivable faults is much more effective than promoting one’s own policy positions. Apparently, people are more inclined to reject someone for even their unrelated faults than acknowledge any strengths they may have. At some point, if there is to be any progress toward acquiring the best person for the position, forgiveness must occur. In the presence of unresolved failures, the potential of the transgressor will never be realized. Forgiveness sets aside a past fallacy to enable future success. While those in prominent positions may garner a great deal of attention for their shortcomings, in reality, the most popular to the least known have all fallen short of the glory of God. James 2:10 states that failing in the smallest way makes us guilty of the whole. If failure disqualifies anyone, it disqualifies all. We are all in need of forgiveness that completely sets aside past failures so that we can draw close to a God who is without even the smallest error. This is what we have received in the blood of Jesus – forgiveness that removes our transgressions far from us. Receiving this amazing offloading of guilt, however, requires a belief that is only validated in the provision of that same forgiveness for anyone who has failed us in any way. One cannot fully receive the loving forgiveness of our heavenly Father without imparting that same loving forgiveness to an earthly relationship. As wonderful as it is to be forgiven, it is critically essential to know the wonder of providing that same forgiveness. Notes Guilt Perceived personal failure/sin. When past failures define identity. Disqualification from participation. When accused – exposes/when committed – conceals. Justified rejection/retribution/vengeance. The door to strife and evil work. Absence of love and mercy. Forgiveness When all disqualifying past errors are eradicated. Preexists its request. Requires transparency. Is received for self at the moment it is entirely given. Enables fellowship/participation/performance. Unforgiveness stems from the need for justification. We need to be “right”. Many people fear that if they forgive someone, it means they are “giving up” while the person who hurt them is “getting away” with what they did. Often, people hold on to their anger because it is a badge of honor that says, “I’m the victim.” If they forgive, they fear they will no longer get the attention they are looking for. Anger is like an umbilical cord between you and the person who hurt you. The only way to release yourself from the other person is to forgive and let go. How to forgive? Be forgiven. Revelation of our sin exposes the need. 1 John 1:7-10 (NKJV) 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. By FAITH, forgiveness makes us justified – as if we had never sinned. Romans 5:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. The blood enables complete forgiveness – received and given. Romans 5:9-10 (NKJV) 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Cannot receive forgiveness without forgiving Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV) 14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Significance of 490 – Hamim – Noah – Bethlehem – daily bread Matthew 18:21-22 (NKJV) 21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Continual requirement. Matthew 6:11-12 (NLT) 11 Give us today the food we need, 12 and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. Enables fellowship with God in faith. 1 John 3:21-22 (NLT) 21 Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. 22 And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. Required reciprocation. Matthew 18:23-35 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 "But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 "So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses." Belief for reception is contingent upon belief for forgiveness – faith works by love (Galatians 5:6) Mark 11:24-26 (NKJV) 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. 25 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” What we receive we’re empowered to give – complete forgiveness with fellowship. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 (NLT) 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. Overview: Guilt places an identity based on past acts, while forgiveness removes all the old and enables a brand-new start, just as if there had been no sin. The blood of Jesus enables our reception and giving of complete forgiveness. Cannot receive forgiveness without forgiving others. The key to forgiveness is – the revelation of one’s own great need and receiving love’s forgiveness by faith. As we have been enabled to fellowship with God, we now have the ministry of sharing this same forgiveness with others. Prayer: As I draw close by the blood of Jesus to the Holy of Holies, I am aware of how great Your forgiveness is for me, and I am more than grateful. As I receive that forgiveness now, let it also be given to any that have failed me and cause me to fellowship freely with You and Your body.