As We Forgive Those Who Sin Against Us (Part 3)

“I forgive you.”

That is one of the most powerful things you can say.

You see it in marriages. When a husband says to his wife, “I forgive you,” or when a wife tells her husband, “You know what, I forgive you,” a huge feeling of freedom enters that marriage. If you can forgive, then you won’t feel like your husband or wife is harboring something against you. You won’t feel like they’re keeping anything from you, or pushing you away. There are no walls between you.

Forgiveness is a selfless act. I think a lot of people don’t know how to deal with the power of forgiveness because selfishness is natural. It’s hard to let go of it. I have a hard time with it. It’s hard!

As We Forgive Those Who Sin Against Us (Part 2)

If you can’t forgive, you can’t love. There is no greater act of love than forgiveness. I mean, look at Jesus. He hung on the cross. He was dying. And as He died, He told His Father, “Forgive them, they know not what they do.” Even though it’s so hard to do, there’s nothing more freeing than forgiveness.

Look at the man that forgave the Green River killer. All these families were just wearing the killer out, hating on him, and the killer showed no emotion. Then that one guy stood up. And he was so different from everyone else. He actually had life to him. His daughter was murdered! But he understood forgiveness.

The Consequences of Sin

Jesus knows exactly who you are, and He loves you. He died loving you, knowing you as you are.

He just wants you to understand that. Recognize the love He has for you. He says, “Think about how much I loved you. If you ask me a question about sin, I’m going to give you an answer. But I loved you first. Remember that. I loved who you were first, as a human being.”

Sin brings consequences. Paul talks about it. There will be consequences if you continue to sin. I’ve written a lot recently about how to be a dad, and central to that is the love you have for your children. You love them so much that you’ll take their shame and embarrassment.