Freedom For Forgivers By Anna Darlene Edmondson “Master, if my brother goes on wronging me how often should I forgive him? Would seven times be enough?” No, replied Jesus, not seven times, but seventy times seven!” (Matthew 18:21-22 Phillips) Of all psychosomatic illnesses, unforgiveness rates unbelievably high on the psychologist’s chart. Harboring pent-up bitterness and hurt feelings causes detrimental damage to one’s mind and body. Just ask any family physician and they will agree that ‘holding grudges’ leads to stomach problems, heart failures, and other illnesses. With that in mind, let’s consider Jesus’ view. In essence, forgiveness is an act [decided in the will not the emotion] of excusing or pardoning others in spite of their inappropriate actions. As a theological term, forgiveness refers to God’s atonement for sins. No religious book, except the Bible, teaches that God completely forgives sin, and the initiative comes from Him because He is a God of grace and mercy (John 3:16). On the surface, the disciples (especially Peter) struggled with the meaning of forgiveness. In fact, it doesn’t release the offender, but ‘unchains’ the one who forgives. Jesus placed no limits on the extent to which Christians are to acquit their fellowmen. In this vein, a forgiving spirit shows that one is a true follower of Christ (Mark 11:25). Nonetheless, Jesus did not advise careless or shallow forgiveness, and He had just explained the importance of humility to them and how they must enter the Kingdom “It is the man who can be humble as this little child who is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:4). Humility and meekness leads up to and opens a door for true forgiveness to manifest in one’s heart. Therefore, forgiving others brings liberation for good spiritual, physical and mental health.
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 13:39:18 +0000
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