Ponder This: Read Colossians 3:13-15. Why is forgiveness such a vital part of being at peace?
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Scriptures To Consider:
Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Matthew 6:14-15: "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Ephesians 1:7: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace
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Reflections From The PrayerBowl Team:
I feel that forgiveness is at the heart of peace. When I think about forgiveness, I can't help but think of how much I need it myself. I know I've sinned and made mistakes, but God forgives me when I ask it of Him, and through my faith, He gives me the strength to forgive. I feel a sense of peace when I forgive. Jesus teaches us in the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." It's not always easy to forgive those who hurt us, but it's important - and just as important, I must be willing to ask forgiveness from those I have hurt as well.
Whenever I think about forgiveness, I see Jesus on the Cross, Our prince of peace, stepping in for each of us. We can forgive because he forgave us. I have to remind myself that the "hierarchy of sin" is a worldly construct, the idea that one sin is in less need of Jesus to wipe clean is just not true. Each of us was destined for Hell, and only by grace, because of our prince of peace, are we invited into the kingdom of God! Thank you, Jesus!!! The world tells us it's okay to hold a grudge, but to be more like Christ, our prince of peace, we should try and see what God does, each time someone wrongs us, Jesus on the cross takes their place. Our peace comes when we have our eyes fixed on eternity- focused not on this moment on a sin-filled earth, but on where we are going; then I believe that we will forgive like we are called to in Colossians 3 and truly have the prince of peace rule our hearts!
Sin and unforgiveness separate us from God. Jesus came to earth to show us the way and restore our relationship, took on all our sins, and offered undeserved forgiveness. This forgiveness is transformational and gives us the freedom to live in peace. Our understanding of what he did for us deepens as we grow in our relationship with Christ. Through this wisdom, we can learn to ask and accept forgiveness for our past transgressions and more easily offer forgiveness to others. Asking for forgiveness and forgiving someone brings a release that allows space for God's transforming love and peace to enter. You no longer hold on to the bitterness, anger, pride, or shame that can take root when you sit in unforgiveness. God encourages us to let it go/forgive it/release it so we can bear good fruit for his glory. In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus answers Peter's question, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?" "No, not seven times," Jesus replied, "but seventy times seven!" Let's choose to hear the teachings of Jesus, abide by them, and let our Risen LORD rule our hearts so we can walk humbly, love others well, forgive freely, and be filled with his peace.
