[Faith-talk] FW: [C F 4 A] Forgiveness Goes Two Ways

[Eric Calhoun]

Original Message: 
From: "kristar01 at att.net" <kristar01 at att.net>
To: undisclosed-recipients at smtp109.sbc.mail.gq1.yahoo.com
Subject: [C F 4 A] Forgiveness Goes Two Ways
Date: 
Sat, 4 Jun 2011 10:49:57 -0500 (Central Daylight Time)

 Forgiveness Goes Two Ways 

I was reading in Matthew recently, and saw once again, a verse that, as
many
times as I have read it, still has the power to startle me: 

Mat 6:15 (NIV) But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will
not forgive your sins. 

Christ's words are pretty clear, aren't they. He doesn't mention
exceptions.
He says it when He teaches His disciples how to pray, also: 

(Matt 6:12  )Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 

If we are harboring any unforgiveness against anyone, it creates a block
between us and our Heavenly Father. Yes, even when people have not asked
to
be forgiven, we must follow Christ's example, as He forgave those who
crucified Him: 

Luke 23:34 (NIV) Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know
what they are doing." And they divided up His clothes by casting lots. 

Don't get me wrong. God does not expect us to condone sins that others
have
committed against us. That is unScriptural. It is right to hold people
responsible for their behavior. It is actually good for them spiritually,
anyway. However, we can hold people responsible, and yet still forgive
them.

When we forgive those who have wronged us, we reconnect with God. In
addition, we find release and peace internally. I want to share with you,
as
best as I can remember it, a little poem. I am sorry that I cannot
remember
the author. It goes something like this: 

I forgave to set the prisoner free, Only to find that the prisoner had
been
me. : ) 




Dear Father, please help us to forgive those who have wronged us. Help us
to
follow Christ's example. In Jesus' name, Amen. God Bless  All of you,

                                                        Krista