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FORGIVENESS IN CHRISTIAN LIVING (I)
Genesis 3:9-12. 4:1-10, 45:3 -5, 50: 15 – 21. Matthew 6:12–14.
Isolation is not part of God’s noble purpose. At creation God set and ordained all the elements, both living and non-living to interface and operate in harmony to the benefit of all living things. In principle, natural laws are ordained to insulate the cosmic system against frictions, collisions and calamity that could arise as a result of varieties of relationship that nature obligated the elements in the system to experience. In human and divine relationships, faith in the truth, love and obedience are the anchors which righteousness and true worship rest. John 4:23–24. 1 Timothy 6:11.
The same principle holds in man-to-man relationship. Godly ethics based on scriptural truth and grace are essential to peaceful, positive and fruitful co-existence. This explains why God gave laws to children of Israel through Moses. (Exodus 20:1-20). The Lord Jesus simplifies Moses laws as “The Lord thy God is one Lord, Love him with all thy heart with all thy soul, with all thy mind and with all thy strength. And the second, Thou shall love thy neighbour as thyself”. Mark 12:28–30.
Whenever the rule and principle of love is betrayed and thwarted, offence and avoidance, quarreling and all sort of vices will start to manifest. This was the case of Adam and Eve with God, Cain and Abel as well. (Genesis 3:9-12, 4:1-10).
As we see in the case of Adam, God broke the silence with loving kindness, also Joseph held olive branch towards his brothers in readiness to forgive their past misdeeds. The superiority of love is thus proved by its power to forgive no matter the gravity of the offence. This is the basis of redemption and the principle upon which Christian faith rests. (Read Romans 5:6-11).
- Fundamental Truths About Forgiveness.
Matthew 6:12-14, Exodus 34:5-7.
- Forgiveness is a divine nature that every child of God must have. A Liaison bridge that provides a pathway for the erring human to find his way back to God. Without it mankind is lost forever! Forgiveness provides explanation and evidence for the giving of Christ Jesus as Savior to the world. Act 13:38. Ephesians 1:7.
- Forgiveness is God’s command and ordained security against chaos and unrest in human and God’s family relationship. Matthew 18:21-35. Mistake, error, oversight is bound to occur. The readiness to acknowledge sin, ask for forgiveness and the giving of the same add sweet savour to livelihood. Matthew 5:43-48.
- No sin is too weighty that cannot be forgiven! Isaiah 1:18 the thief on the cross experienced the unexpected with Christ. All that is needed is sober and genuine acknowledgement of sin. Luke 29:39-43.
- God’s forgiving nature must not be taken for granted! Romans 2:4. To remain adamant in evil doing or willful sin can hinder forgiveness! Hebrew 10:26, 27. True brokenness in the spirit endeared forgiveness and revival of love. Psalm 51:1-150.
- To cover sin with lies and hypocrisy is to attract God’s speedy judgment. Proverb 28:13. Openness and transparency remove barriers to forgiveness and loving kindness. Psalm 51:1-4.
- Peace, joy, righteousness, trust and goodness abound in the atmosphere of love and forgiveness. Relationship flows without suspicions. Prayers are answered. Unity and cooperation make progress a common experience. Psalm 133:1-3.
- Forgiveness must be a Christian way of life. Matthew 18:21-35. Christ said the only way to merit being forgiven as a child of God is to see that we forgive those that trespass against us. Matthew 6:12. As the light and salt of the earth, forgiveness is one of the marks of love that quickly points to the sinful world that one is a child of God. It is part of the image and nature of God we are call to bear and manifest day by day. Ephesians 4:32.
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
CHS 195: MY SINS ARE GONE
- You ask why I am happy so I'll just tell you why,
Because my sins are gone;
And when I meet the scoffers who ask me where they are,
I say, "My sins are gone." - They're underneath the blood on the cross of Calvary,
As far removed as darkness is from dawn;
In the sea of God's forgetfulness, that's good enough for me,
Praise God, my sins are gone. - "Twas at the old-time altar where God came in my heart
And now, my sins are gone;
The Lord took full possession, the devil did depart,
I'm glad my sins are gone. - When Satan comes to tempt me and tries to make me doubt,
I say, "My sins are gone;
You got me into trouble but Jesus got me out,
I'm glad my sins are gone." - I'm living now for Jesus I'm happy night and day,
Because my sins are gone;
My soul is filled with music, with all my heart I say,
"I know my sins are gone."
CHS 198 BECAUSE HE LIVES
- God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives. - How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives. - And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.
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