How many times have you heard someone say…“Forgiveness isn’t for them, it’s for you”? How many times have you said it?
It sounds good in sermons. It makes us sound deep and profound in conversations. It looks good on social media…
But, it’s simply not true and not biblical. It reduces forgiveness to a selfish act.
Think about it. What does God get out of forgiving us? What’s in it for Him. He’s still God. He’s still Holy. He still has all power. He even still has the fellowship of the angels whether He forgives us or not. So, why does He forgive us?
Because when God forgives us, He does it for US and not HIMSELF.
Granting forgiveness is a SELFLESS act that God commands us to do for one another as He does for us. It’s another way we conform to His character and His image.
It’s mutually beneficial…
It releases the FORGIVEN from the guilt of the offense and releases the FORGIVER from the burden of holding on to what leads to bitterness and wrath.
It is the most powerful tool available to us to maintain good relationships because that’s how God maintains His relationship with us…by continually forgiving us.
Don’t make forgiveness a SELFISH act by approaching it carnally as many well-meaning people do by saying it’s for YOU and not the offender.
That perverts the Holy intent of the GIFT of forgiveness. It’s an extension of His grace towards those in relationship with Him. That’s why the enemy tries to trick you into ‘throwing what’s holy to the dogs’.
And yes, forgiveness is a priceless gift. God doesn’t have to forgive us. Think of how good it feels to be truly sorry and have someone not only tell you that you are forgiven, but you can tell in their actions that they mean it. Forgiveness blesses both parties equally…please don’t approach it selfishly or teach others to do so.
Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Yes, granting forgiveness is for you too, but it’s for them first.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
BE BLESSTIFIED! 