Genesis 45:1-15
Joseph really gave us one incredible demonstration of forgiveness today. When you think about it, this whole situation was pretty bad. Yet, Joseph's submission to God and thus, his willingness to forgive, saved the day, not to mention his family. This passage really emphasized the necessary role forgiveness plays in our lives. I can tell you first hand that I've never been able to experience peace and healing until I've taken that step of forgiving. That can be extremely hard, but let me tell you, it is so so worth it.
How have you seen God work through forgiveness--in your life, in your family, in the Church? Knowing the importance of forgiveness, how can we be more forgiving moving forward? Tami W.
"If we confess our sins, He(God)is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". 1 John 1:9 KJV. Forgiveness plays an important role in our lives. If someone sins against us and we do not forgive them or vice versa no matter how hard we pray to our Lord I believe He does not hear our prayers until we do the right thing. Sometimes a feeling comes over me and I ask myself "why do I feel that God is not near me"? We do not have to actually carry out sin but we have thoughts we must ask for forgiveness. Jesus taught us how to pray and if He did not think that these words in the "Lord's Prayer, " and forgives us our sin/trepass as we forgive those who sin/trespass against us" are very important He would not teach us these words.
Jesus who never sinned, took on our sins, shed His blood and died on the cross at Calvary so that our sins are paid up in full and that we can have salvation, who are we then not to forgive others and seek forgiveness? When I forgive others or ask others to forgive me a great burden is lifted off my shoulders. So each day I thank my Lord and Saviour for His grace and mercy which I do not deserve, His compassion, His forgiveness and His love. I feel strengthened and loved by Him. Because He is ever so faithful.
God gives us very clear commands about how we are to live our lives but then when we purposely disobey those commands, we blame GOD!! God had nothing to do with it, we did it all on our own! We ask "how could you let this happen to ME?" Me, me, me. I think it all comes back to pride. It's NOT about me.
A few years ago I was very hurt by an incident that took place between another woman in our church and me. It involved our children and was a very deeply felt issue for both of us. I did not handle it well. I harbored bitterness and anger for nearly a year. God continued to impress upon me that I needed to forgive her. Finally, I submitted to Him and went to her and asked for forgiveness. Satan still brings to my mind the deep hurt on occasion, but I'm learning that when a point of unforgiveness rises its ugly head again that I need to pray immediately and ask God to replace that thought with truth and help me to truly forgive. It was very damaging to the church for our relationship to be broken. I gave in to temptation and shared my hurt with others and caused others to be angry as well. I regret that choice and have asked God to forgive me and help me to do better in the future.
I have seen God work through forgiveness in several areas of my life. When I was hurting, I hurt both of my sisters with things that I had spoken. When I apologized and asked for forgiveness, it was truly a blessing to our relationships. I had a friend who hurt me deeply and through God's grace and forgiveness, He showed me not to harbor those feelings of negativity. God allowed me to see what I harm I was doing to my self and my other relationships as a result of that pain.
Going forward, I know that forgiveness is very important in all areas of my life. I think that being conscience of our actions will allow us see where we have wronged and seek forgiveness of those who we have wronged. We must be forgiving of others if we want the Lord to forgive us.
I know someone who disowned their mother ,their brothers and sisters. They had a issue with how the mother treat them. The person did not really know Jesus. I try many times to share why to honor your mother and to forgive others. But their anger and hate became worst. They still do not want to forgive anyone. Over the year this person became depressed and very sick. They need Jesus, that is their only way to learn to forgive. Please pray for this person! I don't struggle in this area but have seen may member of our church struggle. Forgivness has to come from ones heart. If you have a heart for god, you understand forgivness ever time you see the cross.