Reconciliation and Forgiveness in the Bible
Reconciliation and forgiveness can be challenging for most of us. So what instruction does the Bible give us concerning these two things.
Forgiveness
Forgiving One Who Sins Against Me – Matthew 18:32-33
As those that have received mercy and forgiveness from God, let us in turn show mercy to others, and be willing to forgive the hurts they cause us. – Lessons from The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant in Matthew 18:21-35
If You Hold Anything Against Anyone – Mark 11:25
Hurt in inevitable in our lives. People will hurt us, whether intentionally or not. But when we hold onto the hurt, we are the ones who suffer, not the one who hurt us. If you hold anything against anyone who has hurt you, forgive them so that you can be freed from the hurt, and enjoy fellowship with God.
Outwitting Satan – 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
How important is forgiveness? It is commanded by Christ, and our forgiveness is dependant on it. But lack of forgiveness also becomes a tool in Satan’s hands to hinder our effectiveness. One key to outwitting Satan? Forgive others.
I Will Never Fall Away – Matthew 26:33
How often do we follow Peter’s example of commitment, followed by failure? I am so thankful that Jesus is always ready to pick us up, dust us off, and put us back to work.
Forgiving Those Who Hurt You – Matthew 6:14-15
Do you struggle with forgiveness? Jesus tells us to forgive in order to experience forgiveness from God. But forgiveness also heals our poisoned spirits.
Forgiveness as an Expression of Love – Acts 7:60
Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. – Acts 7:60 NIV When someone wrongs me, I am instructed to forgive them. Forgiveness is important for my own spiritual health and relationship with God. So I find it interesting here, as well as Jesus example on the cross, that Stephen was not forgiving those who stoned him; he was asking God to forgive them. Ultimately their sin is against God (Psalm 51:4) and it is to him that Stephen’s accusers and executioners will …
Love Your Enemies – Luke 6:27-36
I generally enjoy reading the scriptures and find inspiration, and challenge, within its words. But occasionally there are times when Jesus has something to say to me that I really do not want to hear. This morning, for instance, while reading through Luke I ran across the following. “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt …