We Need Forgiveness
By Elder Priscilla Martinez
Forgiveness starts with Jesus Christ dying on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins and this includes the sin which we were born with for our salvation to spend eternity in heaven with Him and our Father, God.
We need forgiveness to live spiritually balanced, hopeful lives. Unforgiveness may affect our health, build up guilt, shame, and regret that may negatively impact one’s physical and mental health. The need for forgiveness is because of original sin of Adam and Eve. Also, there is power to forgiveness, both as it applies to our lives and in its consequences in our relationships with others.
“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:45
Why is it so hard for us to forgive ourselves and others who have hurt us and hold onto old pain from our past finding it so hard to let go? Why do we punish ourselves over and over and those we love for the hurts we’ve endured? Why can’t we let go of the hurt others have inflected on us?
“bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” Colossians 3:13
Why can’t we truly forgive and let go without picking it up again? God has forgiven by His son dying on the cross for OUR SINS.
Jesus tells Peter in Matthew 18: 21-22 that we are to forgive up to seventy times seven. The bible never talks about “forgiving yourself.” We are told to forgive others when they hurt us and forgive them. Jesus already paid for all our sins and we are all forgiven. It is as simple as that. However, even though we are released from bondage we still choose to wallow in it and act as though we are not freed from it. We let the enemy hold the guilt card over our head and find it hard to forgive ourselves and can’t move beyond our past. It’s time to let go and let God move you beyond your past to your future.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
It is important to note that forgiveness is not a feeling, it is a choice. It’s choosing not to let thoughts of hatred rule in your heart. An important area in forgiveness is humbling oneself and that is not always easy but necessary when granting or receiving forgiveness. It’s choosing to go to God to find help and comfort instead of dwelling on the past, even when our feelings would rather do anything but. Forgiveness is a key part of maintaining intimacy with God and others. It is not saying that what someone did or said is ok. Three important areas of forgiveness are granting, receiving, seeking forgiveness will help us look at freedom and intimacy are possible in your life.