This is the true picture of total forgiveness from
the heart. Do we see it happening today? How often have we told others what
someone did to us? I've done it more times than I care to admit. This is why I repent a lot and try giving more grace to others who fail to do it.
There may be times when giving a name may be appropriate, but we need to check our
motives first. Paul warned others of a wicked man and mentioned the bad behavior
of Peter. However, Jesus Christ never pointed
out an individual’s sin neither did He tell others. Sometimes the Holy Spirit may reveal a certain sin of an individual to us so we will pray for them or even confront them if the Lord says to so they will repent. But it is never meant for gossip.
Many people feel the world has the right to know
how they have been hurt, whither it's an affair, theft, lie or some other crime. This
happen way to often, and I've been guilty of this at times too, but I was
wrong. Just think, how often we have hurt God, do you think He's telling others
what we've done. No, of course not, unless its to a prophets like Nathan. Yet, God forgave us even before we say, "I'm sorry, I was wrong" and even when we don't.
When we forgive a brother or sister, friend or spouse; we should also learn to go on as if nothing happened. That may be the real challenge. The pain from
these experiences or situations is real, but so is the healing that comes from
the heavenly Father. He too is familiar with pain from our disobedience, yet He still
loves us and ours sins He doesn't remembered. If you bring them up again He would
probably say, "What you talk'n about."
I'm reminded of a situation in the story, Redeeming
Love, by Francine Rivers, where the brother of Michael had sex with his
wife, Angel, and how he reacted toward his brother. This is an awesome
book and I highly recommend it. The story is even better, because a godly woman
wrote it. It's a story of real love and real forgiveness.
The magnitude of true forgiveness is just like
God's love. But to understand the need to forgive is so important and who
benefits the most in the long run. Satan is a liar and he will do whatever he
can to keep people from forgiven in order to divides people and the church.
When we really understand who the real enemy is, it's easier to love and
forgive others. Our enemy is not flesh and blood.
However, if we focus on our sins or others, it
becomes a form of idolatry. Unless we truly receive God forgiveness it is
really impossible to forgive others as hard as we might try. Jesus cried out
from the cross, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
As we have seen with Jesus example, forgiveness requires a sacrifice, sometimes a huge sacrifice. It was out of His pain and compassion He embraces
us, just as we are. Now He desires that we do the same for others.
Forgiveness comes from our heavenly Father. Jesus
could not have done it if he had not seen His Father do it first. We must draw
our strength from Him in order to forgive others as well. It is impossible to
do it on our own. The same also applies for His love. To love someone is to
forgive them, it cannot be emphasized enough. In the book, The Shack, is another excellent example of total forgiveness, even for the most heinous
of crimes. Jesus also forgave those who were responsible for His crucifixion and they had not had a change of heart.
Most people do not realize the unforgiveness is an
evil spirit, and when it has been allowed to shrouds or enter ones life, it will affect them. Therefore, it
must be cast off if they want to see true healing and restoration. That is why
I believe we're going to see the greatest move of God's in this decade. Because, God
will restore lives and bodies, even though there has been unforgiveness in many people. He's going to break those chains and set them free from that filthy spirit, and then the Holy Spirit
will be able to do the restoration necessary. God is the God of forgiveness, it's His nature, and He wants it to be everyone's.
I know it is hard for many people to believe that pain and
suffering could be from this unforgiving spirit that torture people. However, there have also been
numerous testimonies over the years to prove this. For example, there was a TV evangelist
who was on his way out of a building where he had been speaking, when he notice
a man in a wheelchair that had been at the meeting. The Lord told the evangelist that if that
man would forgive his father, God would heal him. So the evangelist went over
and asked the man if he wanted to be healed and the man said, "Yes, of
course I do. Then the minister told him that he would need for forgive his father.
The man as shocked and then in anger said, "Never!"
Stubbornness, pride and unforgiveness are a bad combination and because of it many continue to
suffer. I have also known a number of people personally who have or had health
issues, including cancer and severe back problems and even death, because of
unforgivness toward their spouse, parent or even other people.
Total forgiveness, means you hold NO past or
current sins, faults or mistakes against another person regardless of how often
or badly you believe they have hurt or others. Remember, what Joseph said, "God meant it for good." We may not see now or how, but God does. The Bible also says, love
always forgives; it endures all and keeps no records. Love is also very patient." (1
Cor. 13)
