It is Day 19 of the 40Days of Return. Yesterday, Mary Aina started a conversation about forgiveness. Today, I want to follow up on the benefits of forgiveness. I like to help you see scripturally vital reasons why you should forgive and never hold a grudge against anyone.
Like Father Like Son
The scriptures say in Psalm 103:3: He (God) forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. If you read that carefully you will observe that God does not only forgive us; He actually forgives ALL our sins.
The scripture also admonishes us that ‘Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.’ (1 John 2:6). So, if Jesus forgives all our sins, he expects you to also forgive all sins. That sounds hard, right? Yes, it is! But it is doable when you rely on the strength that the Holy Spirit gives. So, when we forgive, we live out godliness and the Christlike nature in us, living like Jesus.
Answered Prayers
Among other reasons why you should forgive anyone and everyone is the benefits that come with forgiveness. In Mark 11:25, the scripture says: And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
I do not know anyone that does not love answered prayers or to see their pleasant wishes come to pass. Yet the Bible says unforgiveness is the way to shut up the heaven and prevent your prayers from getting to God or having your answers get to you. Holding anything against others who have offended you is a major barrier to answered prayers. The scripture says “… if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
The Father’s Forgiveness
God forgives us when we also deem it fit to forgive others. No, you don’t want to have God keep your record of sin. You should never desire such. The scripture says, “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?” Psalm 130:3 So when you forgive others, you also enjoy God’s forgiveness.
The Bible assures us that we will receive back in the same measure with which we give forgiveness, mercy (judgment), commendation or praise (condemnation), and financial resources. Luke 6:37-38 says: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Enjoying Peace and Fellowship
By experience, forgiveness makes us become like Jesus and ensure a clear fellowship with the Holy Spirit. I do not know anyone who can truly fellowship with God while harboring an offense in their heart, it is just NOT doable!
Forgiveness makes us enjoy the peace of God that surpasses understanding. It nourishes and strengthens our walk with God. It also preserves our health and closes the door against satanic attack against us.
God’s Love is in Your Heart!
If you are struggling to forgive others, remind yourself what the scripture says about God having forgiven all your sins (Psalm 103:3). Think about the dangers of not forgiving (Mark 11:25), and much more about the benefits of forgiving (Mark 11:25). Above all, remember that God’s love is in your heart: ‘And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us’. (Romans 5:5).
