The Fruit of Forgiveness

FOR IF YOU FORGIVE OTHERS FOR THEIR TRANSGRESSIONS, YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL ALSO FORGIVE YOU. BUT IF YOU DO NOT FORGIVE OTHERS, THEN YOUR FATHER WILL NOT FORGIVE YOUR TRANSGRESSIONS.

Matthew 6:14-15 (NASB)

In recent days I have been pondering the value and the cost of forgiveness; I often find myself thinking these things when I am thinking of the family who rejects me (because they reject my Lord). God in His infinite wisdom had me reading today’s verses when I was thinking these thoughts; who said His timing isn’t excellent? Father God knows that I have much to forgive, and yes to seek forgiveness for too.

In my younger years as a new believer, I freely admit I was a little short on grace, being subtle wasn’t my strong point…some would say I still have a bit of work to do in that area. Either way, I ended up being hated by my family and other people, such as the guy who threatened to murder me with a knife. That was a lifelong hatred/fear that follows me around today, having me looking over my shoulder in public when I hear a familiar voice. It is these folks that Father God calls me to forgive, and even to pray for them.

Dear Reader, there is power in practicing forgiveness regularly – it is like repentance in that it is a continuous process of the Christian life. There is nutritious spiritual fruit to be had in practicing forgiveness; there is the peace that it bathes your spirit in, and the loving forgiveness of our Father God for our repented sins. Have you forgiven someone today, or do you need to forgive them?