JESUS SPEAKING
“Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” (Luke 17: 3-4)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Those who desire God’s mercy must also be merciful; and those who yearn for His forgiveness must not withhold forgiveness from others. Hatred, anger, and resentment have no place in the heart of a believer. Unresolved bitterness creates division between God and His disciples. Jesus said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Everyone who truly seeks to follow the Lord must also attempt to imitate Him. And so, forgiving those who repent without restriction or exception is necessary. God’s mercy is immeasurable, and those who practice unconditional forgiveness are splendid examples of His limitless love.
In 1956, five American missionaries flew into the jungles of Ecuador in an effort to make contact with a hostile and war-like tribe of Indians known as the Waodani. All five men were speared to death. Their families were devastated by the loss; in a single day, many wives were widowed, and a number of children were orphaned. And yet the remaining family members didn’t seek vengeance or cry out for justice. Instead Elizabeth Elliot (who had lost her husband), and Rachael Saint (who had lost her brother), remained obedient to God; unconditionally forgiving the murderous tribesman. Elizabeth and Rachael continued evangelizing to the natives. Eventually the Waodani people invited them into their community. One by one, the members of the tribe began committing their lives to Jesus Christ. The men who had perpetrated the murders expressed great joy in knowing that they had been forgiven. The women eventually formed lifelong friendships with the individuals who had killed their loved ones. This unconditional forgiveness has given birth to the Waodani Church; a church that is currently thriving. They have abandoned their spears and picked up their bibles; going so far as to evangelize the other neighboring tribes (at great personal risk to themselves.) This amazing work of God was made possible because two women were willing to forgive without restriction.
Forgiving other repentant souls is not a suggestion, a recommendation, or a request; it is a command; a command that heals both the forgiver and those who are forgiven. Is there anyone you are angry with? Has someone caused you great pain? Forgive them and move forward. Search your heart and ask God to give you the courage and the strength to let go of your resentments and bitterness. If you forgive others, God will fill your heart with joy and peace, and you will walk in eternal fellowship with the almighty and everlasting Father.
“Lord Heavenly Father, search our hearts and reveal to us any hidden resentments we may be harboring. Give us the strength and the courage to forgive those repentant sinners without restriction. May we love as You have loved. May we forgive as You have forgiven; and may we always do what pleases You. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You; and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 