Let’s face it. We’ve all been wronged by someone else, some much more than others. So, we all need to learn about forgiveness. But it’s not often discussed around the dinner table or even in schools and churches. And the media so often focuses on getting even or holding grudges—sometimes forever.
As Christians, we are taught that we must forgive others. Jesus said, when asked how often we should forgive someone, that we must forgive seventy times seven, meaning we must forgive over and over.
Did He mean that you must keep on forgiving someone for continuously lying, cheating, hurting you? Yes and no.
Does it mean our offender is free and clear to keep on sinning against us? Maybe.
The Bible tells us that sin has a consequence. So, if we sin, and God forgives us, is there still a consequence? It depends on the sin. Some sins will draw us away from our loving Father. Some sins will draw others away from us. When Adam and Eve sinned, the result was a change in human nature—a sin nature would thereafter be inherited by all.
You probably learned Newton’s third law in school. It says, “Every action has an equal but opposite reaction.” Even though this law has been disputed in some instances, we know that Newton was referring to forces. One force acting on another force causes a reaction. In the same way, our sin doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Our sin causes a reaction, and that action/reaction requires forgiveness.
Do you need forgiveness? You do if you’re human. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Did you get that? All humans are sinners. Sin separates us from the glory of God. God intended for us to share his Glory! But sin causes division—between humans and between God and us.
God’s forgiveness removes that barrier between us. Christ made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross so that the barrier could be removed forever.
But what about the barrier between you and that co-worker who gossiped about you and cost you a promotion?
Or the neighbor who wanted to sue you for the tree that fell on his house?
Or the wayward spouse who cheated on you?
Or…..you fill in the blank.
The Bible is full of stories of real-life people who sinned and were forgiven. When they repented, their relationship with Almighty God was restored.
But it is also full of real-life stories of the consequences of sin. David lusted after Bathsheba, and committed adultery with her. He later sent her husband into a dangerous situation that would surely result in his death. As a consequence, their child died, but David repented and was forgiven.
How often do you think God has forgiven you? Did you continue to sin? Did you repent? Is your relationship with God restored or broken? Will you suffer a consequence for your sin? Today is the day you should seek God’s forgiveness and restoration. 2 Cor 6:2 says, “For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
From Peggy's Pen 