How can I forgive as the Lord forgives me?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 5, Forgive as God Forgave You, Question 6, p. 73
When I forgive others, I consciously remind myself that I am a forgiven child of God, saved by His grace.
The Gospel of John provides a beautiful insight into our identity as God's children. John 1:12-13 states, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." This passage reassures us that our status as God's children is not due to our merit but His grace. Hence, when we extend forgiveness to others, we are essentially reflecting the grace we have received from Him.
Moreover, the epistle of 1 John emphasizes the love that the Father has lavished upon us. 1 John 3:1 exclaims, "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." This divine love and acceptance empower us to forgive others, as we have been forgiven and accepted without condition. It is a reminder that forgiveness is not just an act of kindness but a reflection of our divine heritage.
Ephesians 1:7 further deepens our understanding of forgiveness, stating, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." This verse underscores that forgiveness is an integral part of our redemption. Through Jesus Christ, we have been redeemed and forgiven, not because we deserve it but because of the richness of God's grace.
When I forgive, I am living out this truth. I am acknowledging that I am a recipient of God's immense grace and mercy. Forgiveness becomes a testament to my faith, a declaration that I remember who I am in Christ: a forgiven and redeemed child of God. As I extend forgiveness to others, I am reminded of the boundless grace that has been extended to me, and in doing so, I continue to grow in my spiritual journey, aligning myself more closely with the heart of God.
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
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