Eishah Smith

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We’ve been looking at the healing power of forgiveness. We saw that not only is Christ the Substitute for sinners and the Mediator of reconciliation, He is also so thoroughly and masterfully good at it that the forgiveness He facilitates makes us stronger in the end. We also know that forgiveness doesn’t open us for more pain and repeated mistreatment, since Christ is also the ultimate Avenger, and we learn how to protect ourselves from others’ choices. Then our willingness to practice forgiveness in Christ frees us to be forgiven.

There’s one more thing God’s forgiveness does. It allows us to forgive ourselves, just as quickly, thoroughly, fully, and freely as we are forgiven. Guilt negatively affects our spiritual and mental health, the roots of our relationships to God, to others, and to ourselves. But the love restored through God’s forgiveness gives us permission to look squarely at ourselves, at the causes and effects of our mistakes. Through it we receive the grace, patience, and strength to correct our characters, and repent. We are free to grow past our weaknesses permanently. Full forgiveness in Christ transforms us into overcomers.

Here’s a suggestion: The next time someone cuts you off in traffic, or cuts you in line, take a moment to reflect on forgiveness before you react as you normally would. Consider taking the complaint to Christ the Substitute for both of you, asking Christ the Mediator to create a better relationship, and trusting the Avenger to make it just in His own time. Practice this until it becomes your first response. Notice how much more peaceful and less stressed you are. Practice this for yourself when you cut somebody off or say something you regret. Notice how quickly and calmly you are able to improve. Keep going! Don’t quit! Thank God for His forgiveness and use it every chance you get.

God, we are so grateful for your love that forgives, frees, strengthens, and lifts us. May we receive all You want to give us and teach us, and help us pass on this blessings every chance we get.