Attitudes – Forgiveness

Having love toward one another brings forgiveness. Forgiveness sometimes means we bare the burden of other’s mistakes. It sometimes means letting go of a situation even when you’re in the right. It means not having to win every argument.

Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek.

“But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Mat 5:39 KJV)

This doesn’t mean we can’t defend ourselves, but we shouldn’t seek to harm others when they have harmed us.

Forgiving means forgetting. We shouldn’t hold the past against someone so we can use it to our advantage.

God will forgive us as much as we forgive others.

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Mat 6:12 KJV)

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”  (Mat 6:14-15 KJV)

23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.  24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.  25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.  26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.  27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.  28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.  29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.  30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.  31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.  32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:  33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?  34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.  35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”  (Mat 18:23-35 KJV)

If we want to be forgiven, we must learn to forgive others.

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