Together # 11
An Attitudinal Together
An Attitudinal Together
Forgive One Another Without Being Asked
copyright by Dick Wulf, 2018
Do not be easily offended, don't hold grudges; forgive without requiring an apology. Be very ready to forgive, knowing that all people fall far short of God's glorious standard.
Matt 6:14-15; Matt 18:21-22; Luke 17:3-4; Luke 23:34; Eph 4:32; Col 3:1
Forgiveness is the very heart of the gospel. Our forgiveness of others is one of the most critical things we are to do. The kind of forgiveness that most glorifies God is truly difficult. One thing is crystal clear: we will need each other’s help to grow in forgiveness and release its power.
Forgiveness is all about gratitude. God expects thanksgiving for His forgiving of our sins. This appreciation is to be passed on down the line to others through forgiveness. To not readily forgive others, even when they have not asked for it or desire it, is to disregard God’s grace and offend Him.
“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” |
Matt 18:21-35
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Matt 6:12 (part of the Lord’s Prayer)
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Matt 6:12 (part of the Lord’s Prayer)
Any of us who resist forgiving those who inflict hurt might not have adequately considered God’s great love that rescued them from hell. Or, maybe they have not thought much about the misery in eternal separation from God. Perhaps they have never seen the extent of their own sin through the lens of God’s perfection. Maybe they have congratulated themselves that they “are not all that bad” because they avoid the most damaging sins. These people need our prayers. They are either not Christians or they are ungrateful believers.
But, those of us who are extremely grateful yet a bit hesitant to forgive others must consider what might be holding us back. Let’s look at the most likely reasons.
(1) Most people think that forgiveness includes granting trust. It does not. A person forgiven should not be a person trusted until there is convincing history that he or she will not offend again in the same or similar way. The most forgiving person who ever lived was Jesus, and He did not grant trust, only forgiveness.
But, those of us who are extremely grateful yet a bit hesitant to forgive others must consider what might be holding us back. Let’s look at the most likely reasons.
(1) Most people think that forgiveness includes granting trust. It does not. A person forgiven should not be a person trusted until there is convincing history that he or she will not offend again in the same or similar way. The most forgiving person who ever lived was Jesus, and He did not grant trust, only forgiveness.
Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people.
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John 2:23-24
To trust a person to not sin again or hurt us in the same or similar way is to believe that they have automatically changed and need no help from us or others in their Christian Inner Circles. In most cases this just sets them up to repeat their offense. If they have asked for forgiveness, that only indicates they realize what their sin is, not that it is overcome. We are all like children who learn first to say they are sorry for hitting their little brother but are likely to do it again until they have learned not to.
Therefore, we do not need to put off forgiving someone because we will have to trust them not to do it again. This should free us to forgive others more easily. Forgiveness is not opening ourselves up to further hurt. That will come whether or not we forgive them. However, if we forgive them, we can hurdle that barrier and go on to help them.
(2) Some resist forgiving so that they will not have to continue involvement with the person or persons who offended them. This is reasonable if the person will commit more and more sin just by being in our presence. But, that is rare. Therefore, we need to get over wanting such safety from being hurt that we shut other people out and rob them of the opportunity to change. Another Together is the key to this: Bear With One Another. Our safety is in God, whether we realize it or not. So, we can forgive and continue to relate as long as we are not encouraging another to sin even more.
Therefore, we do not need to put off forgiving someone because we will have to trust them not to do it again. This should free us to forgive others more easily. Forgiveness is not opening ourselves up to further hurt. That will come whether or not we forgive them. However, if we forgive them, we can hurdle that barrier and go on to help them.
(2) Some resist forgiving so that they will not have to continue involvement with the person or persons who offended them. This is reasonable if the person will commit more and more sin just by being in our presence. But, that is rare. Therefore, we need to get over wanting such safety from being hurt that we shut other people out and rob them of the opportunity to change. Another Together is the key to this: Bear With One Another. Our safety is in God, whether we realize it or not. So, we can forgive and continue to relate as long as we are not encouraging another to sin even more.
Bear with one another and forgive . . .
Col 3:13
Col 3:13
Enabling is something that illustrates continuing a relationship that provides the opportunity for the other to keep on sinning. For example, a person married to an alcoholic can forgive the person getting drunk and being so embarrassing, even treating him or her poorly, but that person cannot really be trusted to not drink again and again. So, while it might be clear that to buy that person alcohol is clearly enabling the drinking, to treat that person with as much affection as if he or she did not drink and embarrass us or treat us badly is also enabling. Interventions with alcoholics where everyone who regularly relates to him or her gets together and lets it be known that he or she will not be treated approvingly or nicely are examples where forgiveness is given but continuing the relationship “as is” is not advised or required.
(3) We might hesitate to forgive another because we do not want to admit that we do the same thing and need to stop. Perhaps this fortuitous blindness is the most dangerous resistance to forgiving others. For example, we might not want to forgive one of our children for losing her temper with us because that daughter will be able to confront us, “But, you lose your temper!”
(4) Sometimes we resist forgiving someone for something that consciously or unconsciously we want to keep on doing or keep the door open to doing in the future. We might not want to forgive someone for knowingly keeping too much change when a store clerk makes a mistake, because we want to keep the option open for cheating on our income tax. By forgiving, we take away our own justification to do similar things.
(5) Or we might hesitate to forgive another because we do not want to make the other uncomfortable in facing a sin that he or she would like to gloss over. This reason violates a lot of commands of Scripture and many of the Togethers. Fortunately, only rarely do we need to announce that we have forgiven someone. Usually, we can forgive within our spirits, not make it public, and then go on to help the person change.
It is obvious that we should not point out to a person who cuts in line at the grocery store that we forgive them. That surely would make us look like self-righteous prigs. But, what if someone in your family does not return your phone calls within a reasonable period of time over and over again, but not because he or she does not want a relationship? That relative is discounting your importance and perhaps needs to know that his or her behavior is hurtful but has been forgiven. That might be appropriate if we go on to solve the problem and help the relationship to be redefined or dealt with more courteously. But, if the other person is not interested in changing, then to preserve what relationship there is, forgiveness should silently be given and behavioral expectations downgraded to what is possible in the way of communication.
(6) Although there is no logic for this reason to resist forgiving, some connect forgiveness with agreement and acceptance of the sin. The forgiven person might misinterpret forgiveness for approval or willing concession. In that case, the forgiveness needs to be made with clarification that we do not agree with the behavior and that it is not okay.
(7) We probably need to also mention that a very few of us gain something by adopting a victim mentality. Seeing oneself as victimized by others can become a way to get attention that should not work, but too often does. It often brings compassionate support without exhortation to forgive. Forgiving might shut off the complaining that brings attention. These people don’t want to forgive and forget their pain. Getting attention out of being wronged by others is more valued than a peaceful spirit.
Of course, none of these reasons are legitimate for those of us who are eternally grateful for God’s forgiveness. We want to make our forgiving others a way of thanking God for His great mercy.
And, forgiving others benefits us as well as those we forgive. It lightens our burden of resentment. It takes away the forbidden desire to judge. It can heal our hurt. It reduces stress that can cause mental and physical problems.
Forgiveness is not holding the sins of others against them. It is pardoning them, releasing them from guilt. It means we will not count their sin against them or punish them.
But, it does not mean that God forgives them. Our forgiveness of others is not at all about their standing with God, only with us. If, for example, we forgive human traffickers and other terrorists, they will still stand before the judgment seat of God for their heinous sins. Forgiving them does not mean that we will like them, but we will love them with the gospel of Jesus Christ, even though they remain our enemies and we do all we can to stop them.
We must remember that to withhold forgiveness for any reason only puts us in danger. Judging is only God’s right, not ours. We are to let Him do it. Our responsibility is to forgive. Not trust. Not look the other way. But to forgive and then do whatever love demands, which will not always be pleasant for the one we forgave.
(3) We might hesitate to forgive another because we do not want to admit that we do the same thing and need to stop. Perhaps this fortuitous blindness is the most dangerous resistance to forgiving others. For example, we might not want to forgive one of our children for losing her temper with us because that daughter will be able to confront us, “But, you lose your temper!”
(4) Sometimes we resist forgiving someone for something that consciously or unconsciously we want to keep on doing or keep the door open to doing in the future. We might not want to forgive someone for knowingly keeping too much change when a store clerk makes a mistake, because we want to keep the option open for cheating on our income tax. By forgiving, we take away our own justification to do similar things.
(5) Or we might hesitate to forgive another because we do not want to make the other uncomfortable in facing a sin that he or she would like to gloss over. This reason violates a lot of commands of Scripture and many of the Togethers. Fortunately, only rarely do we need to announce that we have forgiven someone. Usually, we can forgive within our spirits, not make it public, and then go on to help the person change.
It is obvious that we should not point out to a person who cuts in line at the grocery store that we forgive them. That surely would make us look like self-righteous prigs. But, what if someone in your family does not return your phone calls within a reasonable period of time over and over again, but not because he or she does not want a relationship? That relative is discounting your importance and perhaps needs to know that his or her behavior is hurtful but has been forgiven. That might be appropriate if we go on to solve the problem and help the relationship to be redefined or dealt with more courteously. But, if the other person is not interested in changing, then to preserve what relationship there is, forgiveness should silently be given and behavioral expectations downgraded to what is possible in the way of communication.
(6) Although there is no logic for this reason to resist forgiving, some connect forgiveness with agreement and acceptance of the sin. The forgiven person might misinterpret forgiveness for approval or willing concession. In that case, the forgiveness needs to be made with clarification that we do not agree with the behavior and that it is not okay.
(7) We probably need to also mention that a very few of us gain something by adopting a victim mentality. Seeing oneself as victimized by others can become a way to get attention that should not work, but too often does. It often brings compassionate support without exhortation to forgive. Forgiving might shut off the complaining that brings attention. These people don’t want to forgive and forget their pain. Getting attention out of being wronged by others is more valued than a peaceful spirit.
Of course, none of these reasons are legitimate for those of us who are eternally grateful for God’s forgiveness. We want to make our forgiving others a way of thanking God for His great mercy.
And, forgiving others benefits us as well as those we forgive. It lightens our burden of resentment. It takes away the forbidden desire to judge. It can heal our hurt. It reduces stress that can cause mental and physical problems.
Forgiveness is not holding the sins of others against them. It is pardoning them, releasing them from guilt. It means we will not count their sin against them or punish them.
But, it does not mean that God forgives them. Our forgiveness of others is not at all about their standing with God, only with us. If, for example, we forgive human traffickers and other terrorists, they will still stand before the judgment seat of God for their heinous sins. Forgiving them does not mean that we will like them, but we will love them with the gospel of Jesus Christ, even though they remain our enemies and we do all we can to stop them.
We must remember that to withhold forgiveness for any reason only puts us in danger. Judging is only God’s right, not ours. We are to let Him do it. Our responsibility is to forgive. Not trust. Not look the other way. But to forgive and then do whatever love demands, which will not always be pleasant for the one we forgave.
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others their sins,
your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matt 6:14-15
your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others their sins,
your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matt 6:14-15
When we understand that there is absolutely no gain from not forgiving, our eyes can be opened to the larger issues of forgiveness. First, it is a primary way of thanking God for ourselves being forgiven and is a measure of our gratitude. Second, it sets us free to obey other Scriptures regarding living for God, dealing with the problem, and often helping the one who offended us.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
Marybeth knew that her mother-in-law Gianna was not interested in learning to like her. However, Marybeth was like Jesus and constantly forgave her mother-in-law because Gianna really did not know what she was doing and how very much it hurt. This probably saved Marybeth’s marriage.
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Whenever we forgive someone who does not deserve to be forgiven, we are being like Jesus the Anointed One who died so we could be forgiven. We do not deserve to be forgiven by God, but He does it anyway. That is why we do not become much like Jesus if we forgive only to be forgiven ourselves by God, or only in obedience to Scripture, or primarily because the offender has asked for forgiveness or is now treating us nice out of remorse.
Jesus did not forgive because He needed to be forgiven. He did not forgive because we deserved it. He did not forgive because we treated Him pleasantly. He forgave out of love and an understanding that we don’t fully understand our sinfulness and the harm it causes.
The reason that we forgive others makes all the difference in allowing the image of Jesus to emerge in us. It is forgiving those who do not deserve forgiveness that makes us most like Jesus with respect to forgiving others.
Jesus did not forgive because He needed to be forgiven. He did not forgive because we deserved it. He did not forgive because we treated Him pleasantly. He forgave out of love and an understanding that we don’t fully understand our sinfulness and the harm it causes.
The reason that we forgive others makes all the difference in allowing the image of Jesus to emerge in us. It is forgiving those who do not deserve forgiveness that makes us most like Jesus with respect to forgiving others.
When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
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Luke 23:33-34
Jesus was secure in the love of His Father. If we can be so secure that we know God will stand up for us and take care of us no matter what others do to us, we can forgive anyone for anything. Jesus did on the cross, and so can we.
A well-known evangelist passed on falsehoods about the game DragonRaid that I and others invented as a youth discipleship program. He put us out of business in 1985. We had a relationship with about 10,000 kids and young adults. We knew of hundreds, perhaps thousands, who had come to Christ through the game. We hoped to continue making a sustaining profit to expand our discipleship of players. We had just printed 90,000 copies of nine beautiful posters emphasizing a strong walk with the Lord and a spirit of battle against Satan and evil. We were finishing a game for grade-school children, and it was testing out better than DragonRaid. And, then, in one week, we were $700,000 in debt and had to shut down our company Adventure Learning Systems, Inc.
We were urged to sue, but we felt the Bible told us not to take such action. I forgave because that was the thing to do, and thus missed the mark of forgiveness that would make me a whole lot more like Jesus. I forgave this televangelist because the Bible said to, but not because he did not really understand what he was doing. His newsletter to 500,000 people before the time of email and the Internet destroyed a ministry that served God in both evangelism and discipleship. And, that was his aim, but the televangelist still did not truly know that his act was against God. He thought he was acting for God, and therefore did not know what he was doing. But, I did not become like Jesus who forgave not as a biblical rule, or to have His own sins forgiven, but because of the ignorance of those who were killing him on the cross.
When this televangelist was found to be using prostitutes with the help of his closest friends and was disgraced nationally, it should have been obvious to me that he did not understand his sin against us. He did not pay attention to knowing the damage his far worse behavior would do to his millions of television followers.
The opportunity to be like Jesus in forgiving others is still open to me now that writing this has opened my eyes. I now do forgive that evangelist because he unwittingly harmed us. I am learning this higher way of forgiving and escaping forgiving as “the Christian way” or as a rule to follow, or because it doesn’t even matter because God is taking care of me.
This is the challenge for all of us if we want to become like Jesus in forgiving.
Opportunity to Worship God
A well-known evangelist passed on falsehoods about the game DragonRaid that I and others invented as a youth discipleship program. He put us out of business in 1985. We had a relationship with about 10,000 kids and young adults. We knew of hundreds, perhaps thousands, who had come to Christ through the game. We hoped to continue making a sustaining profit to expand our discipleship of players. We had just printed 90,000 copies of nine beautiful posters emphasizing a strong walk with the Lord and a spirit of battle against Satan and evil. We were finishing a game for grade-school children, and it was testing out better than DragonRaid. And, then, in one week, we were $700,000 in debt and had to shut down our company Adventure Learning Systems, Inc.
We were urged to sue, but we felt the Bible told us not to take such action. I forgave because that was the thing to do, and thus missed the mark of forgiveness that would make me a whole lot more like Jesus. I forgave this televangelist because the Bible said to, but not because he did not really understand what he was doing. His newsletter to 500,000 people before the time of email and the Internet destroyed a ministry that served God in both evangelism and discipleship. And, that was his aim, but the televangelist still did not truly know that his act was against God. He thought he was acting for God, and therefore did not know what he was doing. But, I did not become like Jesus who forgave not as a biblical rule, or to have His own sins forgiven, but because of the ignorance of those who were killing him on the cross.
When this televangelist was found to be using prostitutes with the help of his closest friends and was disgraced nationally, it should have been obvious to me that he did not understand his sin against us. He did not pay attention to knowing the damage his far worse behavior would do to his millions of television followers.
The opportunity to be like Jesus in forgiving others is still open to me now that writing this has opened my eyes. I now do forgive that evangelist because he unwittingly harmed us. I am learning this higher way of forgiving and escaping forgiving as “the Christian way” or as a rule to follow, or because it doesn’t even matter because God is taking care of me.
This is the challenge for all of us if we want to become like Jesus in forgiving.
Opportunity to Worship God
Mike asked his father-in-law for an interest-free loan of $2,000 to be able to buy a fishing boat. He said he would pay it back as soon as he could. It has now been two years and Mike, who has a good job, has not yet paid back a dime.
Mike’s father-in-law has not mentioned the loan, wanting to see if Mike was going to be honorable. In the meantime, Mike’s father-in-law has experienced some hefty medical expenses and could use the money back. Mike has made empty promises to pay back the loan and it has become clear that he has no real intention of doing so. At first, Mike’s father-in-law was resentful of being taken advantage of, but his faith urged him to forgive because he had been forgiven of so much by God. Because this is so much like Himself, God accepted this as worship. Mike’s father-in-law purchased a lot of worship for only $2,000. And, his trust in God to take care of his financial needs has grown as well. Fortunately, Mike has known better than to ask for another loan and saved his father-in-law the trouble of turning him down. While Mike has been forgiven, he is not trusted. Fortunately, forgiveness does not mean that we act like nothing happened, but just that there is no longer a requirement for the debt to be repaid. |
Forgiveness can be worship if it reflects back to God His holiness. Not all forgiveness is quality worship, but done like God does it will make it so. Forgiveness given when not deserved reflects back to God His kind of forgiveness. Other kinds of forgiveness – as Christian duty, as biblical obedience, or for any other reason other than to reflect God’s gracious forgiveness – are good but not quality worship.
God forgives out of love that is undeserved and that makes it true grace. Therefore, we are to pass on God’s undeserved love to others, sharing God’s grace with them.
God forgives out of love that is undeserved and that makes it true grace. Therefore, we are to pass on God’s undeserved love to others, sharing God’s grace with them.
Strive for peace with everyone,
and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God;
that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble . . . .
Heb 12:14-15
and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God;
that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble . . . .
Heb 12:14-15
Seeing forgiveness as an act of worship can certainly make it easier. Wanting God to be glorified by our forgiving someone who does not deserve forgiveness can provide the motivation to overcome resistance to forgive. Then forgiveness can be done from the heart.
Perhaps we have seen forgiveness as a distasteful duty. But, the “distasteful” and the “duty” have to go for it to be worship. God does not find forgiving us a “distasteful duty”, but an act of undeserved love.
But, since God’s forgiveness has no strings attached, neither can ours if it is to be worship. The aim of forgiveness is to pardon the other person and set him or her free from having to pay us back. God might want them to, but that is His business, not ours. Forgiveness should reflect God’s forgiveness with the aim of opening the door to a relationship free of sin and hurt. Forgiveness might at times be the end of the process, but in our Christian Inner Circle relationships, it is just the beginning. The other person is able to begin again with us, perhaps for the seventy-seventh time, and behavior can be changed, trust earned, and relationship restored to new levels of closeness
Perhaps we have seen forgiveness as a distasteful duty. But, the “distasteful” and the “duty” have to go for it to be worship. God does not find forgiving us a “distasteful duty”, but an act of undeserved love.
But, since God’s forgiveness has no strings attached, neither can ours if it is to be worship. The aim of forgiveness is to pardon the other person and set him or her free from having to pay us back. God might want them to, but that is His business, not ours. Forgiveness should reflect God’s forgiveness with the aim of opening the door to a relationship free of sin and hurt. Forgiveness might at times be the end of the process, but in our Christian Inner Circle relationships, it is just the beginning. The other person is able to begin again with us, perhaps for the seventy-seventh time, and behavior can be changed, trust earned, and relationship restored to new levels of closeness
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked,
“Lord, how many times shall I forgive
my brother or sister who sins against me?
Up to seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times,
but seventy-seven times.”
Matt 18:21-22
“Lord, how many times shall I forgive
my brother or sister who sins against me?
Up to seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times,
but seventy-seven times.”
Matt 18:21-22
A second requirement for worshipful forgiving is that it is given out of sincere appreciation for having been ourselves forgiven by God. We have wronged God so much that it is unbelievably marvelous that He forgives us at all. Anything that does not recognize God’s loving grace to us is ungrateful and could not be worship. This is especially true of forgiveness.
In summary, forgiveness that is worship has three elements. (1) Following in the grace of Jesus on the cross, it understands that people do not truly understand why they sin and are still responsible for their sin and need forgiveness. (2) Forgiveness is a reflection of God’s grace. Worshipful forgiveness must be an act of love the forgiven does not deserve, thereby letting God’s grace pass on through. We should not try to water down love by somehow explaining that the forgiveness is deserved, not even that it is in return for previous forgiveness received from them. To be an act of grace, forgiveness must be undeserved and still given out of love for the other’s good. (3) Forgiveness that is worship should be given out of thankfulness for God having forgiven us.
So, let’s fully understand how forgiveness can be worship and glorify God when it reflects His love, grace, and holiness. Let’s help one another out of thankfulness forgive the way God does it.
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
In summary, forgiveness that is worship has three elements. (1) Following in the grace of Jesus on the cross, it understands that people do not truly understand why they sin and are still responsible for their sin and need forgiveness. (2) Forgiveness is a reflection of God’s grace. Worshipful forgiveness must be an act of love the forgiven does not deserve, thereby letting God’s grace pass on through. We should not try to water down love by somehow explaining that the forgiveness is deserved, not even that it is in return for previous forgiveness received from them. To be an act of grace, forgiveness must be undeserved and still given out of love for the other’s good. (3) Forgiveness that is worship should be given out of thankfulness for God having forgiven us.
So, let’s fully understand how forgiveness can be worship and glorify God when it reflects His love, grace, and holiness. Let’s help one another out of thankfulness forgive the way God does it.
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
John couldn’t see straight, he was so angry at what he saw on television. Terrorists had overrun a village and raped and murdered girls and women. He was filled with hatred for the men who did this. His mood carried over to his participation on a church committee. After the meeting, his good friend Parker asked him what was going on.
Parker was way ahead of most Christians with his understanding of forgiveness and its value to defeating evil. He helped John to hate the sin of terror, rape and murder, not the terrorists. He showed John how to forgive the evil men without feeling like he had approved of what they did or was denying it was absolutely horrible. Then he revealed what John should be thinking about, and that was what could be done. Together they did the only thing they could do. They prayed against the terrorists and against the evil spiritual forces behind such terrible actions. |
Lack of forgiveness plays heavily into the evil one’s plans. The devil must do all he can to divide us and keep us from challenging him together. God designed us to be too weak to stand up to him as individuals but more than strong enough to defeat him together. Divisions among us from unforgiveness plays into his diabolic schemes. That is why it is so very important that we help one another make forgiveness our default reaction when we are wronged.
Scripture commands an attitude of ready forgiveness, and such is absolutely necessary to keep the church strong as the army of God. We are to bear with one another's sinfulness and not be easily offended or hold grudges. Such automatic forgiving is very Christ-like and assures unity, peace, and harmony within the ranks of soldiers of the cross.
This does not mean that we overlook that we have been sinned against or hurt. To do that would rob the offender of our help, another thing the devil desires. Forgiving actually frees our minds from resentment, anger, and bitterness so that we can “think straight” about what needs to be done in each situation.
Of course people sin against us! Nothing could be more natural. After all, we are all sinners. Our old selves have not yet been fully conquered.
We usually do not know the histories of those who hurt us. Therefore, we cannot understand why they did what they did or the depth of their own pain and damage at the hands of the evil in the world. Some of us have a strong old self from a more difficult past and stubborn habits.
Therefore, we should always be ready to forgive others because at some deeper level they do not know what they are doing when they wrong us. While the person who has sinned against us is responsible for his or her wrong actions, that one is still a victim of sin and Satan’s destructiveness. They may understand that what they have done is wrong, but it is likely that they do not sufficiently know how Satan will use their actions. Surely, those who nailed Jesus to the cross had no understanding of how what they were doing both carried out Satan’s plan and God’s greatest act of loving grace. Jesus knew they did not understand the “big picture” and asked for their forgiveness.
Forgiveness is often the first step in making things right between people, just as God’s forgiveness brings us back into relationship with Him. There is often some problem solving to do after forgiveness, but holding onto unforgiveness until things are set right can make it difficult to focus on what needs to be done and the actual doing of it. Anger and resentment seldom help the thinking process and certainly inhibit communication with God to find out how He wants the situation handled.
Not only can unforgiveness hinder concentrated battle against the evil one, it can also keep the unforgiven Christian out of full battle. In this war against evil and the dark unseen spiritual forces behind them, every soldier is needed. Therefore, forgiveness is absolutely necessary to battle the enemy and his evil.
Scripture commands an attitude of ready forgiveness, and such is absolutely necessary to keep the church strong as the army of God. We are to bear with one another's sinfulness and not be easily offended or hold grudges. Such automatic forgiving is very Christ-like and assures unity, peace, and harmony within the ranks of soldiers of the cross.
This does not mean that we overlook that we have been sinned against or hurt. To do that would rob the offender of our help, another thing the devil desires. Forgiving actually frees our minds from resentment, anger, and bitterness so that we can “think straight” about what needs to be done in each situation.
Of course people sin against us! Nothing could be more natural. After all, we are all sinners. Our old selves have not yet been fully conquered.
We usually do not know the histories of those who hurt us. Therefore, we cannot understand why they did what they did or the depth of their own pain and damage at the hands of the evil in the world. Some of us have a strong old self from a more difficult past and stubborn habits.
Therefore, we should always be ready to forgive others because at some deeper level they do not know what they are doing when they wrong us. While the person who has sinned against us is responsible for his or her wrong actions, that one is still a victim of sin and Satan’s destructiveness. They may understand that what they have done is wrong, but it is likely that they do not sufficiently know how Satan will use their actions. Surely, those who nailed Jesus to the cross had no understanding of how what they were doing both carried out Satan’s plan and God’s greatest act of loving grace. Jesus knew they did not understand the “big picture” and asked for their forgiveness.
Forgiveness is often the first step in making things right between people, just as God’s forgiveness brings us back into relationship with Him. There is often some problem solving to do after forgiveness, but holding onto unforgiveness until things are set right can make it difficult to focus on what needs to be done and the actual doing of it. Anger and resentment seldom help the thinking process and certainly inhibit communication with God to find out how He wants the situation handled.
Not only can unforgiveness hinder concentrated battle against the evil one, it can also keep the unforgiven Christian out of full battle. In this war against evil and the dark unseen spiritual forces behind them, every soldier is needed. Therefore, forgiveness is absolutely necessary to battle the enemy and his evil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Eph 6:12
but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Eph 6:12
If in wonderfully obedient Christian relationships many of the Togethers are a part of Christian community, then in strained relationships due to lack of forgiveness, far fewer Scriptures will be obeyed. Obedient honoring of God will deteriorate to carelessly treating God as if He doesn’t count so much. It is definitely in God’s plan of defeating Satan, often through us, that we forgive one another always.
Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other,
just as in Christ God forgave you.
Eph 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other,
just as in Christ God forgave you.
Eph 4:32
forgiving each other,
just as in Christ God forgave you.
Eph 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other,
just as in Christ God forgave you.
Eph 4:32
Yet it is clear in Scripture that Christians are to just as readily forgive unbelievers. Jesus forgave those who put Him on the cross, and we are told to carry our own crosses similarly. So, we are to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ which is all about forgiveness. If we do not forgive, what are we communicating about the reality of God’s forgiveness? Forgiveness is the heart of the gospel and has to be one of the most important things unbelievers see in us. It is the message!
Did we ever see forgiveness as this important? The gospel is all about forgiveness, so we must forgive. Since we have been forgiven a lifetime of sinning, this is not too much to ask.
Forgiveness had to be the unspoken element when Jesus spoke the following words in the Sermon on the Mount.
Did we ever see forgiveness as this important? The gospel is all about forgiveness, so we must forgive. Since we have been forgiven a lifetime of sinning, this is not too much to ask.
Forgiveness had to be the unspoken element when Jesus spoke the following words in the Sermon on the Mount.
But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.
If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
Matt 5:39
If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
Matt 5:39
Why would our Lord want us not to resist an evil person’s behavior? Might it be that He can use any chance for forgiveness as a proclamation of who we are in the salvation and security of Christ? It seems obvious that to display the other cheek for assault, forgiveness for the first punch must be automatically granted. What a tangible example of the gospel of God’s forgiveness. Even down to suffering!
Faithful early Christians proved they were Christians by proclaiming, “Jesus is Lord”.
Faithful early Christians proved they were Christians by proclaiming, “Jesus is Lord”.
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
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Romans 10:9-10
Today some apply that Scripture to mean that anyone who verbally says that Jesus is Lord indicates they are a Christian, even if there is no other evidence. However, in the context of the Apostle Paul’s statement, to do so would have meant, “Here am I. Kill me.” The Roman government required people to say, “Caesar is Lord” or die. The willingness of these early believers to willingly die testified that the gospel of Jesus Christ was true, that Jesus truly rose from the dead, and that there is a better life beyond the veil of death.
It can be harder to forgive in our Christian friendships, families and marriages where closer living creates friction and discord, and hurts sting much more. But these units are the primary fighting units of God’s army. Forgiveness is so important in the relationships that make up our Christian Inner Circles that it is necessary to often forgive without requiring an apology.
In those few occasions when asking for an apology is necessary, if the other does not acknowledge wronging us, the process of reconciliation spelled out in Matthew 18 must be followed. The aim is to forgiveness, correction and reconciliation. As Christians, we must go to one another to seek or to grant forgiveness to make things right between us. There is an important war against evil to fight.
We defeat the devil every time we forgive one another. And we defeat Satan when we experience evil at the hands of those blind to God and illustrate the gospel through loving, graceful forgiveness.
We must help one another grow in the discipline of forgiveness. Let’s do this!
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
It can be harder to forgive in our Christian friendships, families and marriages where closer living creates friction and discord, and hurts sting much more. But these units are the primary fighting units of God’s army. Forgiveness is so important in the relationships that make up our Christian Inner Circles that it is necessary to often forgive without requiring an apology.
In those few occasions when asking for an apology is necessary, if the other does not acknowledge wronging us, the process of reconciliation spelled out in Matthew 18 must be followed. The aim is to forgiveness, correction and reconciliation. As Christians, we must go to one another to seek or to grant forgiveness to make things right between us. There is an important war against evil to fight.
We defeat the devil every time we forgive one another. And we defeat Satan when we experience evil at the hands of those blind to God and illustrate the gospel through loving, graceful forgiveness.
We must help one another grow in the discipline of forgiveness. Let’s do this!
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
The Ling Family has always had Bible study together. Something has sparked their interest in heaven and they asked the Lord to show them ways to get ready for heaven. Through a study of forgiveness, the Lings realized that forgiving others required growing ever more thankful for their own forgiveness. This in turn was making them more appreciative of heaven. They were showing real excitement to go there, knowing that there was no way they could have earned heaven by good behavior.
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Since there will be nothing requiring forgiveness in heaven, how does forgiving now prepare our spirits for heaven? When forgiveness is difficult and requires deeper appreciation of our own forgiveness by God, it helps us go to heaven with that increased level of appreciation.
Knowing vividly that we do not deserve to be in heaven when we are there will require that we strongly experience how forgiven we are right now. Our sense of unworthiness and appreciation of our own forgiveness will grow whenever we forgive someone for something horrible they have done. To be able to show them unmerited forgiveness will require that we intensely appreciate God’s grace shown to us. Our hearts will grow in gratitude, and that will determine the level of appreciation we will take to heaven.
There are levels of forgiveness, the highest level being to forgive from the heart out of thankfulness. But, first, let us explore the lesser ways of forgiveness.
(1) There is forgiving others because we want to be forgiven. Scripture makes it clear that this is necessary, but, being focused on what is in it for us, it does not really require us to consider how much we have been forgiven by God and how truly wonderful that is.
(2) We can forgive others because it is a Christian rule. We want to live biblically, and we are told to forgive. We do so not with a focus on getting something out of it for ourselves, but just to live by Christian rules. This also does not require much thought about how much we ourselves have been forgiven by God.
(3) We can be motivated to forgive for the practical reason that it sets us free from the heavy weight of resentment or despair.
These three motives for forgiving do not require deeper consideration of how God has forgiven us and how fortunate we are. But, the highest form of forgiveness does and usually is required when we have been hurt seriously by someone we trusted. This highest form of forgiving others arises out of thankfulness and exuberant happiness for having been forgiven. It is this highest level of forgiveness that produces the most benefit in heaven.
When we feel so privileged to have received forgiveness that we can joyfully forgive others when it is very difficult to do so, then our spirits grow in appreciation for heaven. Before further explaining how this spiritual growth prepares us for life in heaven, let me give a parallel illustration.
Perhaps in the past others made something possible that we could not have made happen. When we think of being in that place doing those wonderful things that we ourselves could not have accomplished, we are thankful more than if we made it happen by our own income and effort. If we can keep from feeling guilty that others gave us something we did not deserve or they did not owe to us and just appreciate their generosity, the experience will be most wonderful, especially knowing it was a gift out of love.
This is exactly what God has done for us. We will get an eternity of enjoyment in heaven that we did not deserve, forever without pain or discomfort. It is quite a gift from God.
Knowing vividly that we do not deserve to be in heaven when we are there will require that we strongly experience how forgiven we are right now. Our sense of unworthiness and appreciation of our own forgiveness will grow whenever we forgive someone for something horrible they have done. To be able to show them unmerited forgiveness will require that we intensely appreciate God’s grace shown to us. Our hearts will grow in gratitude, and that will determine the level of appreciation we will take to heaven.
There are levels of forgiveness, the highest level being to forgive from the heart out of thankfulness. But, first, let us explore the lesser ways of forgiveness.
(1) There is forgiving others because we want to be forgiven. Scripture makes it clear that this is necessary, but, being focused on what is in it for us, it does not really require us to consider how much we have been forgiven by God and how truly wonderful that is.
(2) We can forgive others because it is a Christian rule. We want to live biblically, and we are told to forgive. We do so not with a focus on getting something out of it for ourselves, but just to live by Christian rules. This also does not require much thought about how much we ourselves have been forgiven by God.
(3) We can be motivated to forgive for the practical reason that it sets us free from the heavy weight of resentment or despair.
These three motives for forgiving do not require deeper consideration of how God has forgiven us and how fortunate we are. But, the highest form of forgiveness does and usually is required when we have been hurt seriously by someone we trusted. This highest form of forgiving others arises out of thankfulness and exuberant happiness for having been forgiven. It is this highest level of forgiveness that produces the most benefit in heaven.
When we feel so privileged to have received forgiveness that we can joyfully forgive others when it is very difficult to do so, then our spirits grow in appreciation for heaven. Before further explaining how this spiritual growth prepares us for life in heaven, let me give a parallel illustration.
Perhaps in the past others made something possible that we could not have made happen. When we think of being in that place doing those wonderful things that we ourselves could not have accomplished, we are thankful more than if we made it happen by our own income and effort. If we can keep from feeling guilty that others gave us something we did not deserve or they did not owe to us and just appreciate their generosity, the experience will be most wonderful, especially knowing it was a gift out of love.
This is exactly what God has done for us. We will get an eternity of enjoyment in heaven that we did not deserve, forever without pain or discomfort. It is quite a gift from God.
For it is by grace you have been saved,
through faith—and this is not from yourselves,
it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
Eph 2:8-9
through faith—and this is not from yourselves,
it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
Eph 2:8-9
This happened to Jean and I when our many friends pooled resources and sent us for a week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with all expenses paid. We had a great time, experiencing a wonderful, beyond-our-reach vacation, because we were loved that much. Because we knew we were not worth such generosity and that we could not have gone on our own resources, we felt very privileged to be in Mexico. Heaven will be such an experience to the extent that we realize how very fortunate we are to have been given the gifts of salvation and heaven out of God’s great love.
Most likely, there are many times we find ourselves privileged beyond what we deserve. Perhaps it is witnessing the greatest sunset ever in some most beautiful setting. We did not make it happen by planning to be there. It was freely given to us by God. We recognize this and the experience is magnificent pleasure. We are thrilled to our very bones to be experiencing that sunset.
That is the kind of experience we should want to guarantee in heaven. And, so, we can prepare to gain that greater joy of being in heaven by growing our gratitude now. We do this by amplifying forgiveness to more and more grievous sins against us and others. Remember, in heaven no one will offend us and there will be no way for our spirits to grow by the act of forgiving. To prepare our spirits for greater appreciation of being in heaven, we must let our gratitude grow through greater forgiveness.
It is hard to forgive terrorists for torturing and killing people. It is painful to forgive those who traffic girls into the sex trade. It is very difficult to forgive societal sins that hurt those we love. Once we realize that forgiving does not mean agreeing with what is being done and even empowers us to try to do something to limit such evil, we can forgive. But, to do this we will have to realize that the offenders do not deserve our forgiveness just as much as we do not deserve God’s forgiveness. And, so, we forgive out of a deeper appreciation for His forgiveness of us. God deserves this expansive gratitude shown by such drastic forgiveness.
This appreciation that exhibits itself in forgiveness for the most horrible of sins is also a measure of our love for God.
Most likely, there are many times we find ourselves privileged beyond what we deserve. Perhaps it is witnessing the greatest sunset ever in some most beautiful setting. We did not make it happen by planning to be there. It was freely given to us by God. We recognize this and the experience is magnificent pleasure. We are thrilled to our very bones to be experiencing that sunset.
That is the kind of experience we should want to guarantee in heaven. And, so, we can prepare to gain that greater joy of being in heaven by growing our gratitude now. We do this by amplifying forgiveness to more and more grievous sins against us and others. Remember, in heaven no one will offend us and there will be no way for our spirits to grow by the act of forgiving. To prepare our spirits for greater appreciation of being in heaven, we must let our gratitude grow through greater forgiveness.
It is hard to forgive terrorists for torturing and killing people. It is painful to forgive those who traffic girls into the sex trade. It is very difficult to forgive societal sins that hurt those we love. Once we realize that forgiving does not mean agreeing with what is being done and even empowers us to try to do something to limit such evil, we can forgive. But, to do this we will have to realize that the offenders do not deserve our forgiveness just as much as we do not deserve God’s forgiveness. And, so, we forgive out of a deeper appreciation for His forgiveness of us. God deserves this expansive gratitude shown by such drastic forgiveness.
This appreciation that exhibits itself in forgiveness for the most horrible of sins is also a measure of our love for God.
“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. |
Luke 7:41-43
Difficult forgiveness helps us deal with how much we have been forgiven by God which will yield deeper gratitude. Deeper gratitude will increase our awareness of how special we are to be in heaven when we get there and throughout eternity. Let’s help one another give forgiveness to those least deserving of it in order to gain more appreciation for our salvation and gain greater joy in heaven forever.
We need to help one another appreciate heaven more. Helping one another think more often of where we are going after death will increase our gratitude for God’s salvation through Jesus. This gratitude will help us be more forgiving and to increasingly bless society with God’s love. We need to say to one another often, “Hey, isn’t it great we are going to heaven!”
How this Together Can Make It Really Good in Heaven
We need to help one another appreciate heaven more. Helping one another think more often of where we are going after death will increase our gratitude for God’s salvation through Jesus. This gratitude will help us be more forgiving and to increasingly bless society with God’s love. We need to say to one another often, “Hey, isn’t it great we are going to heaven!”
How this Together Can Make It Really Good in Heaven
Every day here in heaven is extremely thrilling. I appreciate being here so very much. I imagine everyone is grateful, but others don’t seem to be quite as excited. And some are more excited than me. I don’t quite understand it.
However, someone here with me was a distant acquaintance back before we died. His name is Jake. He is totally content but far less understanding of how privileged we are to be here. But, I do know this. Back when we were in the sin-contaminated culture, Jake was very unforgiving. I wonder if back then he ever realized how forgiven by God he was. Then would have been the time to realize it. Now there is no sin and misery to remind us from what we have been saved. |
It is always difficult to explain greater appreciation from lesser joy when in heaven because everyone will be content. So, while it might not be so clear in heaven, it can be clear here where we know we are enjoying something more than is another person.
A person may go to the zoo and appreciate only lions, tigers, and bears. That person will be happy and content, with no regrets at all. But, a friend by her side at the zoo may enjoy five more kinds of animals and be content. So, the question is, “Since both will be fulfilled, which person would you like to be when you go to the zoo?” If you would like to be the second, you would prepare for your zoo trip by researching some of the other animals and see how God’s creativity is expressed in them. And, of course, this growth in “animal appreciation” could continue by more and more preparation about other animals.
By appreciating more and more how much we do not deserve to be forgiven by God and receive citizenship in heaven, but find ourselves there, we will have increased how good heaven will be for us when we get there. Everyone’s cup of amazement that they are there in heaven by the loving grace of God will be full. But, everyone will have different sizes of cups, the size that precisely fits their spirits.
I remember taking my daughters to Disneyland when they were small and can still relive the joy I felt at the look of wonder on my youngest’s face. Upon arriving in heaven, the level of our wonder will coincide with the level of appreciation for our forgiveness we gain now as stretched by our struggle to forgive ever more despicable and undeserving people.
There is just something about knowing that we do not deserve whatever fantastic good we are experiencing that makes that fantastic good better. People seem to understand this clearly when they respond to an advertisement that a store is giving something away free. It is also special if that same thing is purchased on sale, but not so much to declare with excitement, “Look what I got free!”
The opportunity stands before each of us to appreciate heaven for eternity at a higher level. Let’s pursue it together with one another’s help, for it will be truly wonderful once we get there.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Empathy
A person may go to the zoo and appreciate only lions, tigers, and bears. That person will be happy and content, with no regrets at all. But, a friend by her side at the zoo may enjoy five more kinds of animals and be content. So, the question is, “Since both will be fulfilled, which person would you like to be when you go to the zoo?” If you would like to be the second, you would prepare for your zoo trip by researching some of the other animals and see how God’s creativity is expressed in them. And, of course, this growth in “animal appreciation” could continue by more and more preparation about other animals.
By appreciating more and more how much we do not deserve to be forgiven by God and receive citizenship in heaven, but find ourselves there, we will have increased how good heaven will be for us when we get there. Everyone’s cup of amazement that they are there in heaven by the loving grace of God will be full. But, everyone will have different sizes of cups, the size that precisely fits their spirits.
I remember taking my daughters to Disneyland when they were small and can still relive the joy I felt at the look of wonder on my youngest’s face. Upon arriving in heaven, the level of our wonder will coincide with the level of appreciation for our forgiveness we gain now as stretched by our struggle to forgive ever more despicable and undeserving people.
There is just something about knowing that we do not deserve whatever fantastic good we are experiencing that makes that fantastic good better. People seem to understand this clearly when they respond to an advertisement that a store is giving something away free. It is also special if that same thing is purchased on sale, but not so much to declare with excitement, “Look what I got free!”
The opportunity stands before each of us to appreciate heaven for eternity at a higher level. Let’s pursue it together with one another’s help, for it will be truly wonderful once we get there.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Empathy
Sometimes I see Jesus sitting under a tree watching me. Once I asked Him why He was doing that.
He said He was just enjoying watching my high level of my appreciation of being in heaven. |
Still, forty years later, I get great joy in remembering the fascination on my four-year-old daughter’s face when she saw Snow White at Disneyland. Even now when she is far from me, I feel close to her when I remember her wonderment and unspoken appreciation.
It must be that way for God. He will get joy from our level of appreciation of being in heaven. How much joy would we like to give Him when He looks upon our gratitude and near disbelief that we are there with Him in His home?
And, won’t He feel close to us in proportion to our gratitude for being forgiven? This is not hard to imagine.
Now when we forgive someone a huge debt or a very hurtful action against us, don’t we want that person to be thankful for our generous attitude? And, if we see them being more gracious to others as a result, doesn’t that make our forgiveness of them worthwhile? Just imagine how different our relationship would be with someone who took our forgiveness for granted from one who was so appreciative as to pass it on?
God has forgiven each of us a huge debt. He will be blessed in His relationship with those who passed that forgiveness on to all people, especially those whose sins were most grievous.
Praise and Prayer Regarding this Together
I and those in my Christian Inner Circle need Your help to grow our spirits in forgiving. Help us to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit so that all of us give You more glory by appreciating the grace You have extended to us in Christ and respond by forgiving others freely.
Please help us all to become more like Jesus and be able to forgive everyone because they don’t know what they are really doing in light of God and eternity. Like Jesus, empower us to not be so easily offended, making forgiveness less necessary.
May our lives worship You more because we forgive like You do – when it is not deserved. You forgave us out of Your grace and love, so help us to extend to others grace and forgive out of love, not just because we are supposed to.
Make us strong in Your power to defeat the devil by refusing to forgive out of distasteful duty, which would be lack of worship and not honor You. Remind us that Satan wants to rob You of glory, and we want to keep him from robbing You of glory by our graceful forgiving of others. So, please have the Holy Spirit keep at the front of our minds that we have been forgiven by the costly death of God’s begotten Son and should not withhold forgiveness and be so ungrateful. Make us mindful that the devil needs to divide us to strip away our strength over him and, therefore, urges us to be unforgiving of one another. Let our forgiveness of those in our Christian Inner Circles be easy and spontaneous.
Help us to grow in appreciation for our own salvation so that when we get to heaven, we will regard being there as more wonderful and have a greater appreciation for the gift of eternal life through Jesus.
It must be that way for God. He will get joy from our level of appreciation of being in heaven. How much joy would we like to give Him when He looks upon our gratitude and near disbelief that we are there with Him in His home?
And, won’t He feel close to us in proportion to our gratitude for being forgiven? This is not hard to imagine.
Now when we forgive someone a huge debt or a very hurtful action against us, don’t we want that person to be thankful for our generous attitude? And, if we see them being more gracious to others as a result, doesn’t that make our forgiveness of them worthwhile? Just imagine how different our relationship would be with someone who took our forgiveness for granted from one who was so appreciative as to pass it on?
God has forgiven each of us a huge debt. He will be blessed in His relationship with those who passed that forgiveness on to all people, especially those whose sins were most grievous.
Praise and Prayer Regarding this Together
I and those in my Christian Inner Circle need Your help to grow our spirits in forgiving. Help us to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit so that all of us give You more glory by appreciating the grace You have extended to us in Christ and respond by forgiving others freely.
Please help us all to become more like Jesus and be able to forgive everyone because they don’t know what they are really doing in light of God and eternity. Like Jesus, empower us to not be so easily offended, making forgiveness less necessary.
May our lives worship You more because we forgive like You do – when it is not deserved. You forgave us out of Your grace and love, so help us to extend to others grace and forgive out of love, not just because we are supposed to.
Make us strong in Your power to defeat the devil by refusing to forgive out of distasteful duty, which would be lack of worship and not honor You. Remind us that Satan wants to rob You of glory, and we want to keep him from robbing You of glory by our graceful forgiving of others. So, please have the Holy Spirit keep at the front of our minds that we have been forgiven by the costly death of God’s begotten Son and should not withhold forgiveness and be so ungrateful. Make us mindful that the devil needs to divide us to strip away our strength over him and, therefore, urges us to be unforgiving of one another. Let our forgiveness of those in our Christian Inner Circles be easy and spontaneous.
Help us to grow in appreciation for our own salvation so that when we get to heaven, we will regard being there as more wonderful and have a greater appreciation for the gift of eternal life through Jesus.
Ever increasing practice of the Togethers of Scripture will (1) create in you the loving essence of Jesus, (2) give Jesus the kind of love He requested, (3) provide you with the most significant spiritual lifestyle which is attainable only through Christian community, (4) offer significant worship to God by reflecting his own character back to him through your behavior, and (5) bring God’s kingdom to earth as asked for in the Lord’s Prayer. And for heaven, such growing obedience to Scripture now will later (6) qualify you for a more responsible place of service as reward in heaven, and, (7) most important of all, give you greater empathy with God for a closer relationship with Him for all of eternity.