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Forgiveness |
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Christ set the example of forgiveness by praying for those who were crucifying him.
Luke 23:33-34 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." The name Christian means "Christ like". If we are going to be like Christ, we need to follow his example and forgive others. Although he was God, Christ humbled himself and became human in order to save us. To be like him we need to care for others, even our enemies, and to be humble, meek, gentle, and patient with each other, remember he said that the greatest among you will be the servant of all. Colossians 3:12-13 Put on therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. We really don't have a choice, We must forgive if we are to be forgiven. Matthew 6:12-15 Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Christ tells us not to judge, the way we judge others is the way we will be judged. We are all sinners, we need to be very forgiving. Matthew 7:1-2 "Don't judge, so that you won't be judged. For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you. We must not take revenge. Romans 12:16-19 Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits. Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." We need to set an example of forgiveness. God may use our suffering and our forgiving spirit to lead someone else to be saved, perhaps even one of our persecutors. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. The ability to forgive is a supernatural gift from God. We humans don't naturally choose to forgive, it's much more comforting to see the one who has hurt us get what he or she deserves. But we can ask God for strength to forgive. God can provide all the strength you need, but you have to ask, remember he loves you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you. We can forgive with the strength that God gives us. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. |
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