Text: Mark 11:25-26
BY: Bro. Sunny Ogumor
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One great step to the throne of grace is to pray for the pardon of our sins and the care about this should be our daily concern.
Mk 11:25 – And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Mk 11:26 – but if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
The best desirable characteristic that can be found in the human heart is forgiveness. The importance is seen everywhere in human existence this is an essential quality every Christian should have. Eph 4:32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
It is clear that since men became enemies to God, they have been very ready to be enemies one to another. Those that embrace Christianity, must expect to meet with enemies in a world whose smiles hardly agree with Christ’s. The scripture says recompense to no man evil for evil. That is a very brutal way of living, tooth for tat, befitting only animals, which are not conscious of any being above them, or of any existence hereafter. As a Christian take care to study and do that which are friendly and creditable. Study the things that make for peace; Matthew 5:9 blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Avenge not yourselves. Romans 12:19 dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. This is a hard lesson to a corrupt mind and nature therefore a remedy against it is like this, give place unto wrath. Annoyance can cause any thing. As a Christian when a man’s emotion is stretched to the limit and anger is build up let it pass off otherwise it will degenerate to uncontrollable out bust that is against us. Know that the Christian line of duty is clearly marked out in the scriptures and if our enemies are not persuaded by persevering kindness we are not to seek vengeance, they will be consumed by the fiery wrath of that God to whom vengeance belongs. Remember the seventy time seventy rule.
Learn to defeat ills designs against you, either to change them, or to preserve your own peace.
There are some good reasons why it is necessary for us to forgive
- God commanded it. Mk 11: 25 – 26.
- The example of Jesus Christ:
As soon as Christ was nailed to the cross, he prayed for those who crucified him. The great thing he died to purchase and procure for us, is the forgiveness of sin. Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:……Stephen’s example: Acts 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep…Nothing more serious that a capital punishment. But to reason as a Christian is in this matter the point of view.
Kindness is a law in Christ’s kingdom, why, be kind one to another. Several motives to brotherly love are mentioned in the scripture. If you expect or experience the benefit of God’s compassions to yourselves, then be compassionate one to another. It is the joy of the brotherhood to see people like-minded. Christ came to humble us therefore let us not put on the spirit of pride.
The example of our Lord Jesus Christ is set before us. We must resemble him in his life if we should have the benefit of his death. He has paid the price.
Philippians 2:3-5 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem (to value or regard higher) other better than themselves. Today it is much more like to your tent o Israel.
- The forgiven must forgive: what is good for the goose is good for the gander.
Due to our calling we should do our best to humanity. Do good to all men especially those in the household of faith. In this world today, there is so much corruption physically and spiritually, in our hearts there is corruption, mainly as a result of so many versions of the scripture interpretation. Matt 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Many a-times quarrels do arise from little matter that could be settled amicably and will degenerate to face off even in our houses. But it is our duty to forgive one another, imitating the forgiveness through which we are saved. Let the peace of God rule in our hearts. The gospel is the word of Christ we are not preaching another one. Many have the word but it dwells in them poorly because of lack of commitment. The spirit is willing but the body is weak, prayer of dedication is the answer. Do not go away sorrowfully.
Col. 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Col. 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
- For you to be forgiven in future: We don’t know what will happen tomorrow so why not forgive somebody today.
Remember to err is human to forgive is divine. Comments like I won’t forget or I hope I never see you again. Check the meaning in your heart. I do hope if you will not forget you will not take any action that will spoil your image.
Mt 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Mt 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
In Mt 18:21-35 we have the parable of the unmerciful servant.
How does it look like for a Christian to continue in unmerciful treatment to a fellow human being?
Conclusion:
Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
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