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What is forgiveness?

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  • Wes Bloomquist •
  • Originally published January 9, 2009 at 5:04 p.m., updated January 9, 2009 at 5:04 p.m.

Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you. - Ephesians 4:32

The Bible-type of forgiveness is to let go, let loose, cancel the debt owed, to cover with grace. It is the Cross of Christ. The God, kind of forgiveness goes beyond the act of forgiveness and continues to work on behalf of the offender by blessing them.

The word bless in the Bible means to speak well of, invoke one to prosper, to praise one. Luke 6:27-28, "But I say unto you which hear, love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." Looking into the chapter of Luke 6:29-38, we see the result of God's love in the human heart is one of blessing others - no matter what.

Giving and giving. The amount of giving is returned to you. What are we giving to others, that is what we get back. God's love in the believer cannot work until we are willing to release broken hearts and disappointments, to the healing power of the Cross of Christ.

True forgiveness is to allow the Love and Forgiveness of the Cross of Christ to work in our heart's to all people. It is sacrificial, unconditional and always giving. Refuse to take in your hearts offences and truly forgive, in the Love of Christ with proof in your life by blessing the offender.

God is the judge, not us, so let's not play God's role as vindicator.

It is best to trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. Know this: You must know Christ as your Lord and Savior for true forgiveness to take place. Remember, we are here to be a blessing to God and others.

The Rev. John Fisher is pastor of First Baptist Church in Point Comfort.



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