Joyce grew up in a toxic and abusive family environment that left her scarred for life. She was depressed and alone and survived on medication and counseling. However, the gentle nudging of a friend led her to seek and find Yeshua as her Savior. She found inner healing and joy, which was previously impossible. The presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit comforted her. Soon, she discovered that as a follower of Yeshua, the Messiah, she would have to forgive those who had indelibly hurt her instead of caring for and protecting her as a child. This created deep conflict within her. She did not have the strength or even the will to forgive them. Revisiting her past was painful and difficult. But when she discovered what forgiveness in the Bible means, she did forgive them. She found freedom and healing in her soul.
WHAT IS FORGIVENESS?
Yeshua the Messiah said," This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.
Matthew 26:28. NLT. Yeshua became the sinless sacrifice, once and for all, for the forgiveness of sins of the past, present, and future world. Through faith in Him, we receive forgiveness of our sins. He paid the death penalty for us by dying a terrible death on the cross so that we may be forgiven.
When we put our faith in Him, we receive salvation. That is forgiveness of sins, healing of our body, soul, and spirit, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life.
WHAT IS REPENTANCE?
It is to confess ( acknowledge/accept) that we are sinners ( done what is wrong) and reject the past sinful way of life. We must prove that we are transformed into God's image and new creation by the change in our lives. It is a complete change of mind.
Humans are proud and egotistical and find it difficult to say sorry/ apologize for mistakes they make and often pass the blame to others. Therefore, to accept themselves as sinners is humbling and necessary. ADONAI tests our hearts, thoughts, and motives; nothing escapes Him. The opening statement of Yeshua, the Messiah's ministry, was, " The time promised by God has come at last! The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe in the good news." ( Mark 1:15)
Repentance is getting rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander, and all types of evil behavior. ( Ephesians 4:31).
WHAT DO WE REPENT OF?
Sins. Sins are breaking the law of God. ( 1 John 3:4) To sin is lawlessness. Also called the Law of Moses because ADONAI spoke to him, and he wrote it down. He explained to the people what it was, and we can read it in the first five books of the Old Testament. The Ten Commandments are a summary of this law.
Lust (craving) of the eyes and the flesh ( body) and the pride of life. (1 John 2:16). That is longing for what the eyes see, sensual cravings of the body, and pretentious confidence in one's resources or earthly things like our achievements and possessions.
FORGIVE US OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US.
When we pray the Lord's prayer, we pray, " Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us." This seals our fate. We are only forgiven as much as we forgive. To forgive is to release the offender from the debt they owe you and bear the consequences of the damage done to you. When we forgive, we understand the cost of forgiveness. To forgive is to put the issue into ADONAI's trustworthy hands for justice. No justice can be greater than His. He understands everyone inside out and metes out righteous justice. To forgive is ADONAI's character. He casts our sins so far we cannot see them. ( Psalm 103: 3,10-12). It breaks the vicious cycle of revenge, violence, murder, loss, and destruction. Romans 12:19 says, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave the way open for God's wrath ( and His judicial justice); for it is written, "Vengence is Mine, I will repay." So, if you want the best revenge, forgive. Trust ADONAI fully. The heavenly Father will not tolerate anyone messing with His people and family. In the meantime heap coals on their heads through kindness and repaying evil with good. ( Matt 5:39-42; Luke 6:27-37; Romans 12:17-21). The Holy Spirit enables us to pray for and bless our enemies.
It does not mean that we encourage or agree with abuse of any kind, violence, and evil behavior. Our best option is to exit such a relationship where possible and find refuge.
When missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons were burnt to death in their car in 2003, his wife Gladys forgave the perpetrators. However, she did not oppose the criminal and justice system from taking its course.
It is common sense to not work with such a person who is not trustworthy. It is necessary to expose the evil to protect other gullible people from getting exploited and hurt as you did.
WHAT IS UNFORGIVENESS?
It is rebellion against the will of God.
It is an act of pride, egoism, and misunderstanding of what forgiveness is.
On the other hand, unforgiveness breeds bitterness and depression.
It blocks God's hand of justice and revenge.
It makes us disobedient to Him and blocks our blessings.
It opens the door for satan to walk in and wreak havoc.
Satan can neither forgive nor receive forgiveness.
The bottom line is, 'Forgive, just as we are forgiven.'
HOW DO I FORGIVE?
By saying so. 'I forgive (name of the person (s)), in Yeshua's Name.' I call forth ADONAI'S righteous justice, His will, purpose, and goodness into this situation and our lives.
By entrusting the situation into ADONAI's hands.
WHAT ABOUT MY SOUL, TRAUMA, AND IRREPLACABLE LOSS?
To trust Yeshua and receive His salvation brings healing in the body, soul, and spirit. His deposit of His Spirit within us is the guarantee of salvation, and His promises to us are yes and Amen.
Doing a spiritual cleansing helps. Soul searching to see who you have not forgiven.
The Holy Spirit brings inner healing. He heals our memories, guides our thoughts, and blesses our future with His presence, bringing His peace ( shalom), and His eternal, faithful love, and joy. He will bless us with much more than all we ask or imagine. Ephesians 3: 20; Phillip 4: 7,8.
Truly, my friends, it is best to forgive the sooner the better. Forgive because you have been forgiven completely. Forgive because it is the right thing to do. Forgive because ADONAI's blessings and justice will flow into your life and situation. To forgive is to free our souls from the burden of pain, distrust, and mental agony of reliving painful events. Then we can rebuild our lives on the firm foundation of Yeshua Messiah.
Forgive because it is the easier thing to do. Forgive because you will find freedom in Christ the Messiah. Free to do His will. Free to please Him. Free to be blest.
May Yeshua's shalom fill your lives and bring you peace and joy.
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