Forgiveness
By Keith Howard
“But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Mark 2:10
Alexander Pope wrote an old quote: “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” Forgiveness, according to Bible, signifies “release” or a “dismissal” of wrongdoings. Only forgiveness can indeed build a relationship. It is hard to love people and create relationships when holding to an unforgiving life with others. God knows when the venom of sin is injected into humans and the need for pureblood to clear away the stains of sins to forgive people. We have received the complete form of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The forgiveness we have attained through Christ sets us free from the penalty of sin, death and becoming His children. Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
No matter how sinful we might be, He could restore us to Him by forgiving our sins. Ephesians 3:16-17 says, “to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you are restored to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
All He expects in us is to submit ourselves to the Lord for His forgiveness and to His mighty will. When we provide ourselves in God’s presence for forgiveness, He directs us correctly in the track on which He wants us to walk. The prodigal son left the father’s love and was involved in undesirable ways. Once everything was lost, he thought of the love of the Father, which he had before. He made up his mind to get back to the Father’s love. The Bible says, “The Father ran to the son.” God always takes initiation to forgive us when we return from our sin and to get back to the Father. God wants our relationship with Him.
Forgiveness is an integral part of every believer’s life. He has forgiven us; God expects the same from us to reflect on Him while treating us. Colossians 3:13 says, “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Hardening to forgive a person shows resentment, bitterness, and anger, none of which are the traits of a growing Christian.
