Lessons from Matthew 5: Forgiveness
Following the 3 character traits mentioned in our previous lesson, Jesus said, in verse 7 of Matthew 5, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Jesus talked more about this in Matthew 18:21-35 when Peter asked how many times someone was expected to offer forgiveness to others. Jesus replied by saying not 7 times as you think Peter, Terri, Mary etc. but 77 times!
Basically, this is teaching us that we are to forgive as we have been forgiven. We are to forgive much for we have been forgiven much!
We have been forgiven much more than we deserve and that is how we should forgive others. Jesus went on to say later in Matthew that the forgiveness we pour out on others is the same forgiveness we will receive from Him. So measure out the forgiveness not in proportion to what is deserved but rather in the same portion you yourself desire to receive!
The world says only the strong survive. Pull up your boot straps and move forward. Forget about that person; they’re not worth it. They made their bed, now let them lie in it. He or she got what they deserved!
O, God forbid that we truly get what we deserve.
Isaiah 64:6 says, “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”
Who are we to hold someone else’s sin against them when we have been forgiven so much?
Christians must take the time to extend forgiveness to others, to be the hands, the heart, and help of God to those who are hurting and lonely.
Ephesians 4:32 says,
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
So when it is in your power to do so, forgive and forget! This is what God through Christ Jesus has done for us! And shouldn’t we strive to be like Him?
Who is it you need to forgive? Maybe yourself, or another? Maybe it’s a situation or circumstance that was out of your (or anyone else’s) control?
Remember, God is the Sovereign ruler over all and we can trust Him with what we do not understand. He knows best!
Terri Hamman
Faith & Fitness Coach