We all want forgiveness. We all need it.
(1John 1:8)
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.(Rom 3:23)
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of YHVH; (aka "the LORD")(1John 1:10)
If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.How do we get it?
Made possible by Yeshua (aka "Jesus")
(1John 2:1)
My little children, these things write I unto you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Yeshua Messiah the righteous:(1Pet 2:24)
Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed.Our Part
(Acts 3:19)
Repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of YHVH;(1John 1:9)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.(Prov 28:13)
He who covers his sins shall not prosper: but whosoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.The importance of forgiving others…
(Matt 6:14-15)
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.(Eph 4:32)
And be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as YHVH for Yeshua's sake has forgiven you.(
Col 3:13) Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Messiah forgave you, so also do you.(Luke 6:37)
Judge not, and you shall not be judged: condemn not, and you shall not be condemned: forgive, and you shall be forgiven:(Mark 11:25-26)
And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any: that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses.Wikipedia: Studies show that people who forgive are happier and healthier than those who hold resentments. The first study to look at how forgiveness improves physical health discovered that when people think about forgiving an offender it leads to improved functioning in their cardiovascular and nervous systems. Another study at the University of Wisconsin found the more forgiving people were, the less they suffered from a wide range of illnesses. The less forgiving people reported a greater number of health problems.
(Matt 18:21-35)
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Yeshua said unto him, I say not unto you, seven times: but, seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, who would take account of his servants. And when he had begun the reckoning, one was brought unto him, who owed him ten thousand talents. But since he had nothing to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshiped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and released him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him a hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me what you owe. And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay you all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O you wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt, because you desired me: Should not you also have had compassion on your fellow servant, even as I had pity on you? And his lord was angry, and delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if you from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses.Continue Wikipedia: The research of Dr. Fred Luskin of Stanford University shows that forgiveness can be learned. Dr. Frederic Luskin's work is based on seven major research projects into the effects of forgiveness, giving empirical validity to the concept that forgiveness is not only powerful, but also excellent for your health.
In three separate studies, including one with Catholics and Protestants from Northern Ireland whose family members were murdered in the political violence, he found that people who are taught how to forgive become less angry, feel less hurt, are more optimistic, become more forgiving in a variety of situations, and become more compassionate and self-confident. His studies show a reduction in experience of stress, physical manifestations of stress, and an increase in vitality.
How to forgive others?
#1 Prayer.
(Matt 5:44)
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you, and persecute you;A Guide to forgiveness: (not a formula:)
(Rom 12:20)
Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink: for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head.(Luke 6:28)
Bless them that curse you, and pray for them who despitefully use you.Corrie Ten Boom, a Christian woman who survived a Nazi concentration camp during the Holocaust, said:
"Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize the prisoner was you."
(Rom 12:19)
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says YHVH.Forgiveness does not mean physical consequences are gone.
(Num 14:18)
YHVH is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.David was forgiven, yet consequences remained.
(2Sam 12:13-14)
And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against YHVH. And Nathan said unto David, YHVH also has put away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of YHVH to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto you shall surely die.Still physical consequences
(Rom 6:23
) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of YHVH is eternal life through Yeshua Messiah our Lord.(All have sinned and will still die a physical death)
Commit the crime, do the time:
For consequences / protection of others, take offenders to the recognized authority, established by YHVH.
*Examine your motive for taking action*
Dealing with believers:
(Matt 18:15-20)
Moreover if your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone: if he shall hear you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear you, then take with you one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto you as a heathen man and a tax collector. Verily I say unto you, whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth concerning anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.Dealing with non-believers:
(Rom 13:1-7)
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Will you then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and you shall have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience’s sake. For, for this cause pay you tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.Points to Ponder: What about forgiving others? Even if they do not ask for forgiveness?
Live with a heart / attitude of forgiveness. Be Like Yeshua
(Luke 23:34)
Then said Yeshua, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his clothing, and cast lots. (In the midst of his crucifixion)(Rom 5:8)
But YHVH commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Messiah died for us.Cynic says: "So if we are forgiven, do we need to repent?"
Take a moment of silence to think if there is any unforgiveness in your life, and opportunity to make it right.