Unforgiven

UNFORGIVEN:

Forgiveness is a real bugger.

We want it, but don't know what to do with it -or- how to give it.

We’re quick to give the Sunday school answer, "No sin is too big!" Yet when push comes to shove… we often hold grudges rather than truly forgiving.

Forgiveness isn't a sliding scale or a spectrum.

Forgiveness is like being pregnant - you either are or aren't.

You either forgive as Jesus forgave (perfectly & completely) or you haven't truly forgiven. You've ignored the issue or fooled yourself into believing you’ve forgiven.

What hangups or hurts are you harboring under the guise of authentic forgiveness?

Whom do you (secretly) relish to see struggle and sink, but externally have convinced everyone it's water under the bridge? That broken relationship… that sour business deal… that person who embarrassed you… who cheated on you… who wrecked you beyond what you thought was possible… a parent, co-worker, neighbor, friend, spouse, child...

The amazing thing about God is that He doesn’t allow us to harbor those things. In fact, God will orchestrate the circumstances of our lives to bring those things to the forefront - and force us to deal with stuff we thought we had made peace with long ago.

Here’s the thing, when you’ve made peace with something it never creates a violent storm in your life ever again. Sure there may be waves and thunder clouds surrounding, but as Philippians 4:7 states, “And the peace of God, surpassing all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Forgiveness can't come from us because it's not in our character - true forgiveness only comes from God, but it can come THROUGH us.

It really doesn't matter if you want to forgive someone - it only matters that Jesus does - always, because that’s His very nature and character; that’s why at the Cross Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."

He forgave us because we didn’t know what we were doing - yet we want to hold others accountable to a different standard… to an impossible standard. To this Jesus said, "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Just as faith in Christ can’t come from you - it can only come to you & through you - authentic forgiveness needs to come from God. If you’re allowing Satan to keep you hung up on unforgiveness then your ability to worship, praise, and serve is diminished.

“But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”

-Psalm 130:4

Ask God to help you forgive. He’s still in the business of answering great prayers.

Blessings,

-Kevin