What is forgiveness?
Forgiveness in the Bible is a “release” or a “dismissal” of something. The forgiveness we have in Christ involves the release of sinners from God’s just penalty and the complete dismissal of all charges against us (see Romans 8:1). Colossians 1:14 says that in God’s beloved Son “we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” The Amplified Bible translates the last phrase like this: “the forgiveness of our sins [and the cancellation of sins’ penalty].” God’s gracious forgiveness of our sin is to be the measure of our gracious forgiveness of others (Ephesians 4:32).

To some people, forgiveness may seem like weakness or letting an undeserving person win, but it has no connection to weakness or even to emotions. Instead, forgiveness is an act of the will. Forgiveness is not granted because a person deserves to be forgiven. No one deserves to be forgiven. Forgiveness is a deliberate act of love, mercy, and grace. Forgiveness is a decision to not hold something against another person, despite what he or she has done to you.

What is forgiveness in relation to salvation?
Forgiveness is an integral part of salvation. When Jesus forgives us, our sins, trespasses, iniquities, and transgressions are erased, wiped off the record. Forgiveness of sin is comparable to financial debt being erased. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” from the cross (John 19:30), He was literally saying, “It is paid in full” (tetelestai in Greek). Jesus took the punishment we deserved, so, when God forgives us of our sins, we are free; we no longer live under that debt. Our sins are wiped out. God will never hold that sin against us (Psalm 103:12).

It is impossible to have salvation without forgiveness. Salvation is God’s deliverance from the consequences of sin. God’s salvation in Christ is the ultimate example of extending forgiveness. God’s forgiveness must be accepted through repentance and faith. Have you accepted forgiveness from God?

What is forgiveness of others?
Forgiveness is also an essential part of the life of believers. Ephesians 4:32 commands, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Similarly, Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” The key in both passages is that we are to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Why do we forgive? Because we have been forgiven!

The Bible tells us that we are to forgive those who sin against us. We keep no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5) but forgive as many times as necessary (Matthew 18:21–22). Refusing to forgive a person demonstrates resentment, bitterness, and anger, none of which are the traits of a growing Christian. Biblically, forgiveness is not just something that the offended person offers; it requires the offender to receive it, bringing reconciliation to the relationship.

God promises that, when we come to Him confessing our sin and asking for forgiveness, He freely grants it for the sake of Christ (1 John 1:9). Likewise, the forgiveness we extend to others should know no limits (Luke 17:3–4).


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4URKHvdky8g&t=14s

THE LIVING WATER
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Saturday, September 4, 2021.
TOPIC: FIND FORGIVENESS
Read Job 42:7-10
7 And so it was, after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is aroused against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.
8 Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him, lest I deal with you according to your folly; because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has. ”
9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD commanded them; for the LORD had accepted Job.
10 And the LORD restored Job’s losses a when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
MEMORISE:
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors (Matthew 6:12)
EXPOSITION
Many recite the above memory Scripture in the model prayer even when they are yet to understand it. What that really means is, if you forgive others, God will forgive you. If you refuse to forgive others, God will not forgive you (Matt. 6:14). Somebody once said, "If you have the Spirit of God, it won't be difficult to appeal to you to let go." Unforgiving spirit has remained like cankerworm. It eats deep into bones and marrows of so many. God restored Job's life after forgiving his friends (Job 42:10-12).
Who knows the number of "Christians" who have failed to make heaven (even the highly rated, highly placed, or so- called giants of faith), not due to fornication or adultery, not due to financial scandals or any questionable act... but due to unforgiveness! (Matt. 18:30-32) God says vengeance belongs to Him. But many try to fight God's fight through unforgiving spirit, towards people who have really offended them, or those they perceive have offended them.
The story was told of a man who had two sons who were morally parallel - one morally upright while the other chose to be a hardened criminal, so notorious that his father disowned him. After sometime, the criminal son was apprehended, but he narrowly escaped death sentence. He was condemned to life imprisonment. God showed him mercy as he repented in prison. After years, he was graciously released, and he went back to his father.
To people's amazement, his father still rejected him and would not grant his ex-convict son any audience. Many people pleaded with the old man, but all to no avail! The boy had no option than to leave, with frustration. Not long after, he went back to crimes, eventually came to kill his father, and later took his own life! What caused the tragedy? The old man had refused to forgive his own son, of course!
Unforgiving spirit is an undesirable element in any home, church, or society. It breeds more enmity, and cuts off the bond of love and unity (Col. 3:13). Embrace forgiveness all the time. How many times? For as much as you are offended (Matt. 18:21). Forgive, for God to forgive you.
PRAYER POINTS
1. In Jesus' name, I rid myself of unforgiving spirit.
2. Lord Jesus, I let go and forgive anybody who has imaginarily or really offended me.
3. Pray for restoration in homes that have been torn apart by lack of readiness to forgive one another.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Psalms 105:42 - 107:11; 1 Corinthians 9:17 - 10:11
Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE
Remain blessed!
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