There is a gravestone in a New York City cemetery with no name, no date of birth or death, only one word is engraved on the headstone - “Forgiven”  Probably the most powerful, healing word in the human language!  Forgiveness restores relationships - divinely and humanly.   Jesus said, “Follow Me.”  As His followers we are to continue His healing ministry.  A big factor in healing, is forgiveness - the receiving and giving of forgiveness.  Only as we truly experience Christ’s forgiveness personally are we able to forgive others.  Jesus said that if we would not forgive others, neither would He forgive us (cf. Matthew 6: 15).  Jesus does not require us to do something that He Himself has not already modeled for us.  The very ones that mocked, beat, scourged, and crucified Jesus, are the ones Jesus said, “Father, forgive them.”  Mankind at his worst, can receive Jesus’ forgiveness - it is extended to all who will believe!  The kind of forgiveness that takes the sin, guilt and shame away and leaves us with the power in return to forgive others.  Jesus says as His followers, we must forgive others of their wrongs.  Jesus does not want us to hold grudges, bitterness or ill-feeling toward others.  I love the way Paul penned this topic of forgiveness in his letter to Philemon, “…if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.” -  In essence, that is what Jesus what’s you and me to do.  Max Lucado said, “forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and …realizing you were the prisoner.”  Jesus wants to set you free and “refresh your heart in Him.” 

In His Service,

Pastor Rodney

inCHRISTalone