This week, we are going to take a look at the word “Forgive”, and the importance of not just understanding it, but to also apply it in our daily lives.

for-give      /for’giv/ Pronunciation Key – Show Spelled Pronunciation[fer-giv] Pronunciation Key – Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -gave, -giv·en, -giv·ing.
verb (used with object)
1.    to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.
2.    to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.).
3.    to grant pardon to (a person).
4.    to cease to feel resentment against: to forgive one’s enemies.
5.    to cancel an indebtedness or liability of: to forgive the interest owed on a loan.
verb (used without object)
6.    to pardon an offense or an offender.

Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. ”

Luke 17:3
“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.”

Luke 17:4
“And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. ”

Luke 6:37
“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: ”

Mark 11:25-26
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. ”

We tend to neglect that forgiving is more than just the act of pardoning a person of what happened.  It is also letting go of the resentment you feel as a result of what happened.  It’s the whole forgive and forget idea that we struggle with.  But it is so important that we focus on what we feel even more than the act of pardoning, for this is true forgiveness.  To forgive as God has forgiven you, consider that when He forgives you, He also forgets the act.  Consider the forgiveness Jesus exhibited on the cross as He looked down upon those were cursing at Him and mocking Him.  We ought to show that same compassion in our forgiveness for both our loved ones and our enemies.  For the greater example we can show, is forgiving and loving our enemies. “But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:26)

Father, help us to examine ourselves and eliminate any grudges we may be holding against our brother or sister.  Let us show forgiveness to all as you have shown forgiveness to us.  Help us to be a shining example of who you are, so that those who don’t know you can see you through the way we live.  In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

His humble servant,
Brother Kelvin