Forgiveness

1^st John 4:20-  “If any one says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.”

It is clear that not hating others presupposes being able to love God. This can be a major block from having a relationship with God. Throughout our lives, people do things to us that hurt us and upset us. We feel that people treat us unjustly and we can respond with hate. Making judgments about the people one has a hard time with, fuels the problem. But there is good news; forgiveness is the way to set you free. Jesus often mentioned how we need to forgive and how necessary it is to be a disciple.

Often, we try to forgive others from the head but the heart doesn't let it go. I have found in my life that confession helps to forgive others. When we receive the mercy and love from God, it is easier to have mercy and love for others. There is also a reward for forgiving: Luke 6:37-“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Therefore, the more that we don’t judge or forgive the more we will be rewarded now and in heaven. 

God Bless,

Dennis