Dear conqueror in Christ:
I count it an awesome privilege to bid you to enjoy the blessings of forgiveness. None of us can bypass the power of forgiveness. This proverb aptly describes its importance by stating “He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself, for every man has need to be forgiven.” For that very reason, Jesus underlines that forgiveness is unlimited. ” Once Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.“ (Matt 18:21-22). Let’s consider three great blessings of forgiveness.
Forgiveness empowers for effective prayer. Jesus said : “ when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25). Forgiveness empowers for overcoming negative feelings of anger, bitterness and grudges. The apostle Paul urges us: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.“ (Col 3:13).“11:25). Ultimately forgiveness empowers for reconciliation. Through forgiveness, Joseph reconciled with the brothers who hurt him: ”he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.“ (Gen 45:15). Find through forgiveness healing and deliverance from all past grievances and hurts.
Excelsior
Bishop Leon