And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them so that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins.- Mark 11:25

by Angela Moreno

That’s a tough idea for us to ponder. I hear it over and over again from friends and family, how can I forgive someone who was so thoughtless? How can I forgive him for doing this again? Why does she continue to hurt my feelings on purpose? We’ve all been in one of these situations and they sting.

But here’s another tough question for you to ponder. If God gave you permission to choose the earthly punishment for the person who hurt you or did something wrong against you, what punishment would you pick?

Before you answer that question, read Mark 11:25 again. Also, read the following verses:

• For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:2
• Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Matthew 5:7
• And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:40
• For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13

The person who originally spoke that question to me knew exactly the right answer. She said, “Bless her Father.”

But why is that the correct answer? Forgiveness is the key to everything! In whatever way we choose to forgive, God also uses that measurement with us.

No one shows the act of true forgiveness better than our role model and Savior Jesus. Hanging on the cross, beaten beyond recognition and rejected by the humans He created, Jesus cried out to His Father to “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). He had every reason in the world to not forgive. Jesus could have given up on humanity, but He chose to forgive.

God wants us to act in kindness. He wants us to remember what His Son did for us. Jesus gave His life to forgive ALL of our sins; not just the small ones but the huge ones. Jesus forgives everyone who calls on His name no matter what the sin is. So if Jesus is willing to do this for us, why can’t we forgive others just as easily? One of my old pastors said it best: “How can we not forgive others for small things when Jesus forgave us for EVERYTHING?” And that is everything we have ever done and will ever do, every sin hung on the cross with Jesus.

That’s a powerful statement and one I try to remember when I get upset with someone. I’m still human and I still have emotions. I’m still going to get upset with people and occasionally act out. However, I remind myself that I need to forgive and move on. I don’t want ugliness clouding my judgment and affecting my mood.  An unforgiving spirit is not how I want other people to remember me. An unforgiving spirit tarnishes our souls.

There is nothing that God will not forgive us if we turn to Him and accept Him as our Lord.  Do you want to stand before Jesus and tell Him that you could not forgive something small even though He forgave you for everything and died for you?  I sure don’t.  I find that I’m much happier living in the spirit than in the flesh.

But also remember that forgiveness is a process. We may initially forgive someone for their trespass against us, but we will also have to learn to forgive that person for the consequences of their sin in our lives. Sometimes the fallout from their sin against you takes time to diminish from your life. Sometimes the fallout from another person’s sin can have devastating consequences on our lives, reshape our lives in ways we never thought could happen. Forgive the person, but remember that it is a process to fully forgive the person for every consequence that befalls you because of their sin against you.

I challenge you to live in the spirit and not in the flesh for the rest of your days.  I think you will see a much happier you and you will strengthen your relationship with your Heavenly Father.