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When I Forgive: I Demonstrate My Belief that Christ Died for the Sins of All People

Writer: Dwight SchettlerDwight Schettler
4 hours ago2 min read

How can I forgive as the Lord forgives me?

Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 5, Forgive as God Forgave You, Question 6, p. 73


Forgiveness is a gift that transcends human understanding and touches the very core of our faith. When I forgive others, it is not merely a gesture of goodwill or an attempt to maintain harmony. Rather, it is a powerful demonstration of my belief that Jesus died for all people, including those who have sinned against me.


In Luke 23:34, we witness an extraordinary moment on the cross where Jesus, despite His immense suffering, intercedes for His tormentors, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." This plea showcases the boundless mercy and love of Christ, even towards those who caused His anguish. By forgiving others, I align myself with Jesus' example, acknowledging that Christ's sacrifice was for everyone, irrespective of their transgressions.


Further in the same chapter, Luke 23:42-43, we observe a powerful exchange between Jesus and one of the criminals crucified beside Him. The criminal, acknowledging his sins, says, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus responds, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise." This interaction underscores the inclusivity of Christ's redemption. It reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of His grace, and by forgiving others, I embrace this truth.


John 3:16 encapsulates the essence of God's love and the purpose of Jesus' sacrifice: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." This verse is a testament to the universality of God's love. When I forgive, I affirm my belief in this divine promise and extend the same grace that I have received through Christ.


Romans 3:23-26 further elaborates on the necessity of forgiveness and grace: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith." This passage highlights our collective need for forgiveness and the unearned favor we individually receive through Jesus' sacrifice. By forgiving others, I recognize our shared humanity and the universal need for redemption.


Forgiving others is a testament to my belief that Jesus died for all people, including those who have wronged me. It is an acknowledgment of His boundless love, mercy, and the redemption offered to everyone. Through forgiveness, I not only follow Christ's example but also proclaim the transformative power of His sacrifice.


 

This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:

 
 
 

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