Experience Freedom

Has anyone ever said or done something to you that was hurtful, and then they totally forgot it ever happened. They had no idea how much pain they caused you. Unless you make the decision to get free, it can destroy you. Jesus said: “Offenses will certainly come” (Luke 17:1 CSV). We live in a fallen world where we constantly face situations where people act wrongly causing offense. An offense is a trap. The only way out is to forgive. Jesus taught His disciples in the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our sins, as we also have forgiven those who have sinned against us.” (Matt. 6:12). The little word, “as” is a term of comparison. Jesus is saying that we should ask God to forgive us in the very same way that we forgive (or don’t forgive) others! Immediately following explaining the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus said, “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.” (Matt 6:14-15). Every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we are to asking God to forgive us in the same way we forgive those who have sinned against us. This keeps us free from picking up an offense. Forgiving does not mean what they said or did was right. It was probably very wrong. We do not need to be their best friend and go on vacation with them, but we need to forgive. So many people are tormented today due to the giant of unforgiveness. It is so good to be free! Forgive them and bless them and ask God to forgive and bless them and experience freedom.

-Larry Kreider