Forgiveness is Freedom

God’s Word
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15

God’s Word on Forgiveness:

I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. Some manuscripts add verse 26, But if you refuse to forgive, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins. Matthew 11:24-25

Encouragement Shared:
I was inspired by the local Christian Radio Station here in South Florida - They have a segment called Forgiveness Friday. So I am faithful to share God's word on forgiveness. God’s word is pretty clear on forgiveness, and unfortunately it is an area that we need to visit on a consistent basis. John Newton Said… “That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour.” The truth is we are great sinners and we serve a great Saviour, Jesus Christ. Jesus is The Word that became flesh and made his dwelling among us. [John 1] and he brought us grace and truth. In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. [Ephesians 1]

Forgiveness A Command of Christ:
Jesus states immediately after the Model Prayer in Matthew 6:14- For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sin. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

So in other words, forgive quickly through forgiveness there is freedom from the bondage of un-forgiveness leads to ineffectiveness for the Kingdom of God; it leads to resentment; anger; rage;bitterness and hardness of heart. It also can affect our physical health. Make the decision to be free from the bondage that keeps us ensnared in sin that toxifies our lives.

Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the Great Saviour Christ that is the Word of truth that became flesh and made his dwelling among us. May my words be few and your words be many. That you would forgive my sins for I am a great sinner. That I would be faithful to forgive others whom would sin against me. I lift up the saints in the body of Christ your chosen people, holy and dearly loved, may we clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. May we bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances we may have against one another. May we forgive as you Lord have forgiven us. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. May we stand strong on the word of truth in unity through the bond of peace that is Christ. Thank you for the victories you give when we commit our anxieties and burdens to you. Thank you for your wisdom and guidance through the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. In Christ name I pray…Amen!

Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance,
Love in Christ,

Jennifer Pettiford

Recommended Reading: – Matthew 5; Luke 6:20-49
Jesus delivers the "Sermon on the Mount"