Forgiveness

The sermon tonight at evening worship was on forgiveness. Here is some food for thought:

Recall the scene at the cross. What is arguably the best remembered thing Christ said from the cross? "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Even Christ had to forgive those who persecuted and tortured Him before God the Father could accept His sacrifice.

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24

Is there someone you need to forgive today? Is there a situation that you feel is so far gone that it is beyond the scope of your ability to forgive? That may be true, but it is never beyond God's ability. If we truly have a broken and contrite heart, God will soften our hearts to allow us to be filled with a spirit of forgiveness and love.

Our sin separates us from God. When we are unwilling to let go of bitterness and past hurts, we are sinning.

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15

Let go of the past. Be thankful for the present. Look forward to the future.