Forgive!

Forgive!

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: Matthew 6:14 KJV

Context:

This is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus took time to teach his disciples about the principles of his own kingdom. It has to be pointed out here that this message was not to the crowd that was waiting at the foot of the Mount, but for the disciples that had gone up to the mount with him, and had sat down to listen to him. Which one are you: part of the crowd, or one of the disciples? In fact, you can labour and climb up the mount, look, speak and appear like one of the disciples, but if you are not truly one, time will tell. The principles of the kingdom of God calls for different standards. Those who are true disciples are called to a different lifestyle, pursuits and priorities. As I take stock of my life right now, can I say that there is a difference between my old life and the one I have been called into? 

Message and Response:

Today's extract is aligned with the Lord's prayer, and part of the prayer has to do with forgiveness. I wonder why Jesus would emphasize the importance of forgiveness to his disciples, but as I consider the human experience, I realise that God knows our human frame and weakness, and before the challenges come, he would have us make up our minds to choose to do what is right.

Why is forgiveness important? There is a weight, a burden and a heavy load that holding grudges brings. Human interactions breed conflicts; it is impossible for two human beings to live together and not have disagreements; our human nature makes that real. However, my inner contents define my outer reality. Do I consider myself a child of God? if yes, there are standards of behaviour and reaction that is expected of me.

When offences come, how do I react? When human beings act true to type, how do I respond? Am I quick to pay back in like manner, or am I willing to give the benefit of the doubt, allowing the light and love of God in me to shine through? It is easy to project forgiveness when there is no need for it, but it is hard when the call for it arises. What if the offence takes a life, can I still forgive? When I am hurt beyond what is usual, how do I react?

I note that no condition is given for me to forgive; I am asked to forgive, if I want God to also forgive me. When I consider what I have been forgiven, is there anything I consider so terrible that I cannot forgive? When I consider the workings of the grace of God in my own life, is there any offence so big that I cannot let go? 

I note also that what I sow is what I reap. If I expect anything from God, I have to give it out first. If I want God to show me mercy and grant me eternal life, I cannot hold on to grudges and hurt. I must let go and let God have his way, so that all of him can be revealed in me. 

Whatever it is that God commands, he gives grace to enable me do it. He will not demand for it if it is not possible. I depend on that grace on a daily basis, so that my life can enjoy all that God offers. God will play his part, because he is faithful. The rest is up to me. His time of favour is here.