“Faith, Forgiveness, and Thanksgiving”
Luke 17:1-19
“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
One of the greatest challenges in this life is forgiveness. Forgiving others runs contrary to our nature; but in the Kingdom it is required.
The challenge is that forgiveness is an investment with no guarantees, and we do not like that. It takes faith! Forgiveness is a venture of faith with no assurances in the here and now. The assurances are in the future.
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” [Mt 5:44-45]. At the Cross Jesus said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Notice the unconditional love that is the catalyst for forgiveness, and also that faith is the vehicle by which it is moved. By faith we decide to love and forgive and then pray and allow God to work.
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?” [Mt 5:46-47] Further in the Sermon Jesus said, “Be ye therefore perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Is anyone feeling perfect today? But that is the point. In ourselves, in our worldly way of loving, we cannot forgive, we do not have it in us. It is only by the Spirit of God in us that we can practice true forgiveness.
It takes faith and a new heart. We need a Spirit-filled heart transplant.
If you struggle with anger and bitterness and fits of rage, chances there is a lack of forgiveness. Ask Jesus for a new heart, and to pour out His Spirit upon you. Ask Him to fill you to overflowing because it is in the Overflow that forgiveness is unleashed.
It begins with faith; trusting God for the person [or persons] you have decided to forgive. Even the apostles first asked “Lord ‘Increase our faith.’” [Lk 17:5]
But as you forgive, you will experience a newfound freedom that you will be thankful for. Because it will allow you to serve your Lord and others as you have been called.
