In Matthew chapter six, Jesus teaches His disciples the right way to GIVE TO THE POOR (vss 2-4), the right way to FAST (vss 16-18), and the right way to PRAY (vss 5-15). I want to give attention to verses twelve, fourteen and fifteen which deal with the subject of prayer & FORGIVENESS.
In verse twelve Jesus instructs His disciples to say these words in prayer “……forgive us our debts, AS we also have forgiven our debtors….”
Let me translate what you are really asking when you repeat these words, “Father I want you to treat me the same way I treat others. Father, I want you to FORGIVE me to the same degree that I forgive others”.
So here’s a question. Why should I FORGIVE others? Why should you FORGIVE those who have who have either intentionally or unintentionally HURT, ABANDONED, ABUSED, LIED, USED, CHEATED or ROBBED you?
Why should you FORGIVE them?
Because much is at stake.
Let me give you FOUR things that are at stake if you refuse to forgive others.
#1 YOUR TESTIMONY IS AT STAKE. Verses 14-15 state, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses".
These verses can be looked at as evidential. You know, ANYBODY can claim to be a Christian. But like anything else, the proof is in the pudding. When a follower of Christ truly demonstrates forgiveness, they demonstrate that they are “REAL” followers of Christ. There is no GREATER evidence of a person’s regeneration than the ability to FORGIVE when he/she is offended. In my humble opinion, UNFORGIVING people AREN’T Christians.
So, what Jesus is saying is this. When you forgive others you testify, you demonstrate that you are a true, blue follower of His. The contrast is equally true. When you fail to forgive, you testify, you demonstrate that you are NOT one of His. It's that simple. Forgiveness is a family trait.
Alexander Pope correctly stated, "To err is human, to FORGIVE Divine".
Alexander Pope correctly stated, "To err is human, to FORGIVE Divine".
#2 YOUR INTIMACY IS AT STAKE. A person CANNOT walk in intimate fellowship with Christ if he/she refuses to forgive others. Yeah, you can still look like a Christian, you can still do Christian stuff. But what you CAN’T do is be TIGHT/INTIMATE with Christ.
Imagine a married couple who has allowed conflict and drama to enter their relationship. Yes, they are still married, BUT the intimacy (i.e. the close, familiar, and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship with that spouse) is gone.
#3 YOUR REWARD IS AT STAKE. FORGIVENESS in Scripture is a COMMAND, not a suggestion. Therefore, forgiveness is an ACT OF OBEDIENCE. Now get this! God cannot and does not reward disobedience.
#4 YOUR PEACE IS AT STAKE. Rom 12:18, “If possible on you part, live at PEACE with all people”. Heb 12:14, “Pursue PEACE with all……”
One of the ways that we foster peace with others in through FORGIVENESS. Some in the body of Christ have had the unfortunate experience of divorcing a spouse. While divorce is NOT the unpardonable sin, it is a very damaging sin. If one allows one of the fruits of divorce, unforgiveness, to linger, you’ll NEVER be able to move forward with your life.
Can I say this? Forgiveness does not reverse the consequences of what precipitated the unforgiveness. But what forgiveness does is allow one to live with the consequences without further condemnation and guilt.
So, what are the benefits of forgiveness? Let me ask another way, What are the benefits of being a forgiver.
#1 An Intact Testimony
#2 An Intense Intimacy
#3 An Incredible Reward
#4 An Inconceivable Peace
