"...bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do ... And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Colossians 3.13 & 17
Here we are back on this subject again. We covered it some just a few days ago, but I want to hit it straightforward.
Unforgiveness can lead to blame, which is a blinder on the eyes of mankind. When we won’t forgive someone, we are looking at their faults but not our own (of which we all have many).
Unforgiveness can destroy relationships that need not be torn asunder. But for the persistent lack of pardon, happy unity between a married couple, friends, family members or brothers and sisters in Christ could have continued.
Unforgiveness can create bitterness. The bible warns about that root of bitterness which can so easily spring up and trouble us, defiling many (Hebrews 12.15). I believe that often, a lack of forgiveness is that root. When one doesn’t forgive when they could and should, that little root can turn into a deeply rooted poisonous plant. And who does it poison? Not necessarily the one who initially offended you, but you!
You will be the one most hurt from it all. It can smother your smile, take the spring from your step, topple your testimony, sour your song and give you an upset tummy (or worse). You think I’m exaggerating? I’m not at all. It’s very real.
Another negative impact that an unforgiving attitude can have on you is it that it will thwart your thankfulness.
Paul, the apostle of Jesus, in his letter to the church in Colossae in Asia, wrote:
Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Because we are forgiven, we must forgive.
Jesus tells of a man who owed his master 10,000 talents in money. By my calculations, it that’s silver, today it would equal $200,000,00 in American dollars – something he’d never be able to pay.
His master forgave him the debt. Let that sink in.
The same guy had a fellow who owed him a hundred denarii, which today would be worth around, say, $8,000 to $9,000. Did he forgive him? No, he physically threatened him and had him thrown into debtor’s prison. Large amount, yes, but compared to what he’d owed his master it was nothing.
Jesus paid a debt for us that is unfathomable – the debt of all our sins. Can you imagine why we wouldn’t forgive others their debts? Even though God is gracious, when we don’t forgive, we’ll pay in some way.
I believe when we turn around and don’t forgive others when they ask for it, that it is a slap in the face of God. It shows our ingratitude for what he has done for us.
Don’t let unforgiveness hinder you from having a thankful heart. And don’t let an unthankful heart keep you from forgiving another.
Colossians 3.13 & 17
Here we are back on this subject again. We covered it some just a few days ago, but I want to hit it straightforward.
Unforgiveness can lead to blame, which is a blinder on the eyes of mankind. When we won’t forgive someone, we are looking at their faults but not our own (of which we all have many).
Unforgiveness can destroy relationships that need not be torn asunder. But for the persistent lack of pardon, happy unity between a married couple, friends, family members or brothers and sisters in Christ could have continued.
Unforgiveness can create bitterness. The bible warns about that root of bitterness which can so easily spring up and trouble us, defiling many (Hebrews 12.15). I believe that often, a lack of forgiveness is that root. When one doesn’t forgive when they could and should, that little root can turn into a deeply rooted poisonous plant. And who does it poison? Not necessarily the one who initially offended you, but you!
You will be the one most hurt from it all. It can smother your smile, take the spring from your step, topple your testimony, sour your song and give you an upset tummy (or worse). You think I’m exaggerating? I’m not at all. It’s very real.
Another negative impact that an unforgiving attitude can have on you is it that it will thwart your thankfulness.
Paul, the apostle of Jesus, in his letter to the church in Colossae in Asia, wrote:
Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Because we are forgiven, we must forgive.
Jesus tells of a man who owed his master 10,000 talents in money. By my calculations, it that’s silver, today it would equal $200,000,00 in American dollars – something he’d never be able to pay.
His master forgave him the debt. Let that sink in.
The same guy had a fellow who owed him a hundred denarii, which today would be worth around, say, $8,000 to $9,000. Did he forgive him? No, he physically threatened him and had him thrown into debtor’s prison. Large amount, yes, but compared to what he’d owed his master it was nothing.
Jesus paid a debt for us that is unfathomable – the debt of all our sins. Can you imagine why we wouldn’t forgive others their debts? Even though God is gracious, when we don’t forgive, we’ll pay in some way.
I believe when we turn around and don’t forgive others when they ask for it, that it is a slap in the face of God. It shows our ingratitude for what he has done for us.
Don’t let unforgiveness hinder you from having a thankful heart. And don’t let an unthankful heart keep you from forgiving another.
I've so struggled with this, but daily repentance and God's grace and mercy are prevailing!
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