Do You Harbor Unforgiveness for Anyone?

"But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." -Matt 6:15 (KJV)

We live in a fast-paced, technology-based culture filled with people to see, places to go and things to do. We hardly stop for a moment and consider where we've been, what we've said and how we've treated others. We seem to seldom stop and smell the roses or listen to the wind whispering through the trees or hear the rain gently falling. We are pedal-to-the-medal most of the time and as such deal with people the same way.

Some Hard Truth Coming…

If you are a Christian, you certainly know that if you confess your sins to the Lord, He will forgive you. How about you forgiving others for what they've done unto you? Do you do it? The Lord says that unless you forgive others, the Father will not forgive you. Can you grasp what He is saying here? How about that if He doesn't forgive you you won't be in heaven…? Folks, this is another aspect – albeit, a big one – that is defined as sin and has a direct impact on where you will spend eternity. So where do you hear about this these days? In your church? How about your small group or Bible study? I bet not. Or if its mentioned it's only in passing with little real study on the doctrines.

But why?

Unbelievers as well as believers in the Lord don't want to hear about their sin. For shame, preachers don't linger on it for fear their flocks will take off. Most people who attend church just want to hear nice and pretty things and our pulpits pretty much comply with their wishes. Christian pulpits are for all practical purposes silent about sin, confession, sorrow over our sin and most importantly – repentance. Consequently, people are not hearing the truth and the results will be disastrous for them when they step into eternity. You see many Christians don't read their Bible on a regular basis and know not of the truths contained therein.

A Relationship Required

If you don't forgive others for what they have done to you (you know who/what I'm talking about) then how can you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You purposely harden your heart and take a stand that you will not forgive the people that have done you wrong. I know someone in my own family that is adamant about this and you can see how this hate has infected them with hardness of heart, arrogance and pride. Friends, we have to forgive. There is no other option for the Lord tells us so.

Try reading Matt 18:21-35. This is a parable of a servant who was forgiven by his king only to not forgive one of his fellowservants. Result – the original [forgiven] servant was given over to the tormentors until he could repay. This is telling us there is eternal punishment separate from God if we do not forgive others. Can you get your mind around this? That means if you don't forgive others for how they have wronged you, you will not be forgiven and will spend eternity where? Yes, in Hell.

We Have to Deal With Our Sin-

Folks, it's time to know these truths and get ourselves right with God Almighty. Stop the fooling around and get on your knees praying with all sincerity and truth. Then seek out those you have hated for what they have done to you and forgive them. It will bring peace to your spirit and health to your bones. Remember, Jesus Christ was beaten and bloodied for you and me and in the final moments of His life He was not arrogant flinging words of hate at the soldiers or crown. He instead asked the Father to forgive them for they knew not what they were doing. Is this an example for us or what?

"Work Out Our Salvation With Fear and Trembling"

Did you read that correctly? In fear and trembling! Not with coffee, lattes and donuts. With fear and trembling before a Holy and Righteous God!

This is one of the heaviest statements in the Bible – Phil 2:12. Its lays it down in no uncertain terms that we have to daily, hourly and by the minute continually examining our faith to ensure that we are doing the will of our Father (remember Matt 7:21-23). And this means that we are required to forgive. So, what about you now?

What will you do with these truths today? For starters, I suggest that you get out your Bible and verify that what I am saying is true; be a Berean – Act 17:11. Examine the scriptures, know what the Lord requires of us as Christians. Don't fall for only the flowery sermons you hear at church. Folks, if you pastors are not telling you what the Lord's will – with sin and repentance, heaven and hell, at the forefront then ask them why aren't they preaching these things. If they refuse to preach and teach on these sound Biblical doctrines then flee that church and find another Bible-believing and preaching church. Your eternal destination is at stake.

"Accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive." -Col 3:13 (HCSB)

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Grace and peace

-BPWatcher, Internet Preacher and Bible Prophecy Watchman

THE KING IS COMING – HE IS LORD – ARE YOU READY?