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Forgiveness
Forgiveness: It's what we all want. We do something that breaks that bond between us and God. Our conscience is telling us what is right and what is wrong because we have studied the truth and know that God's word is truth.
It convicts us when we sin or when we fall short of His expectations for us. He loves us and because He doesn't wish any to perish He gave us His son to bring us the hope of eternal life and to be that perfect sacrifice so that if we believe in Him and repent of our sins and be buried with Him in baptism, His blood will wash away our sins.
God will forgive us because He loves us. As Christians we are expected by God to be forgiving: "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses." Mk 11:25-26
Christ himself taught us in His model prayer that we should ask forgiveness of our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us - Mt 6:12. For if you forgive men their trespasses, the Father will also forgive you - Mt 6:14,15.
Should we say to a brother "I'll forgive you this time but don't let it happen again"? Is that the spirit of forgiveness and the way the Lord would have it? He tells us in Luke 17:3,4 how it is to be: "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day and seven times in a day returns to you saying 'I repent', you shall forgive him."
But we can't just say "I forgive you" as though we are just checking-off on a list of requirements. True forgiveness is the natural result of having compassion, kindness, longsuffering and love for our brother and wanting what is best for him. If we have put on these things then it will be heartfelt, and God knows our heart. As we forgive others - so God will forgive us.
Forgiveness is imperative for the peace and unity of a congregation. How can a brother work with another when there is grudge holding or bitterness among brethren?
Divide and conquer is the devil's work in a congregation. If there is not peace and unity among the brethren, then the Lord's work will suffer.
When we are the one who has received forgiveness, it is such a blessing and a huge weight lifted from our shoulders.
Likewise, to forgive another is to have the weight of worry for that person lifted from out mind and replaced by gladness in our heart.
