The Power of Forgiveness

The Power of Forgiveness
by: Jefferson "Jeflivs" Livara

"I am sorry" is the most abused sentence according to some and "I forgive you" is the most difficult sentence to say among others.

Forgive came from the old english word forgiefan, for which means complete and giefan which means give. We can now read it as completely give. If the origin of the word forgiveness is accurate then, we are now guilty of violating the word. "Forgive but never forget..." now becomes irrelevant to the entomology of forgiveness. According to Google, forgiveness is an action or a process . When we forgive, we completely give our understanding, peace, hope, joy, trust and love to the person. For some, it takes time to mend but it is the act that matters for it is a process.

Forgiveness does not only involve two parties. It always involve a third where God is the center. It is you, others and God. Anything you do to others, you are doing it to the Lord; Anything you also do for your self you also do it for the Lord. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and anything you do to for the Lord, you are doing it for the least of your brothers and sister. There is power in forgiveness and we might not even be aware of it. Jesus teachings always mention about forgiveness and love. Others think that forgiveness is a sign of cowardliness or defeat; Worse, others choose to live a life of guilt and pride each day. When we ask for forgiveness or forgive others, we are:

1. Unloading a heavy burden - We are releasing a burden that is deeply embedded in our heart and mind. We are surrendering it all to God. That is why when there is forgiveness, we become renewed, revitalized and recharged.

2. Freeing our self from the bondage - We are held hostages of pride when we cease to forgive. We are never free to act. It seems that everything we do is limited. That is the result of guilt and fear. When we forgive or ask for forgiveness, we are freeing ourselves and others from the torture we are creating.

3. Securing our relationship - Sin breaks relationships to others and to God. It also affects the way you look at your self. If we forgive, we are actually restoring broken relationships. We do not only restore but we are guarding it. We are securing it for the days, months and years to come. If we forgive, we do not only secure relationship from the person who has done you wrong but you are securing your relationship to God.

4. Living Life as true witnesses of Jesus - Jesus died on the cross for your sins. Jesus died as the sacrificial lamb. Jesus died as the final blood to be offered. For what? For my sins and for your sins. We forgive because we are FORGIVEN. The death of Jesus is an act of forgiveness. A man with no sin has been crucified to pay the price for us to be forgiven. Shame on the people who says they cannot forgive. Shame on the people who claims to be Christians without following what Jesus taught us. Have we witnessed Jesus lately? Take time to read the bible.

5. Obeying the words of God - Forgiveness comes from God. If we acknowledge we are His people then it is quite right to follow what He says. It might be difficult for our "earthly" mind to understand but God's plan for people who follow and serve Him is greater. A better life is waiting for those who forgive cheerfully. God forgave us without conditions. We are recipients of God's forgiveness too. Every time put pride before us, we are actually raising eyebrows with God and not just to the person who wronged us. We forgive because we acknowledge the KINGSHIP of God in our lives.

Forgiveness is a Power which can transform our lives. It starts the moment we say Sorry with all sincerity. Forgiveness from God is a manifestation of His unconditional love. It is a renewal of the old covenant to a new one. In Christ, we are a new creation. Leave the past behind and embrace the new plan of God in our lives.

Amen.

-Jeflivs

Reflections:

Isiah 3:19
"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord"

2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

Between Pride and You must be Humility.

I was very excited last night that I posted about our team's effort in helping the people in our mission area. I even posted it here in FB with pride. This morning I went over my posts and tried to ask my self, am I boasting? As I read my bible reflection for today, it says,

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the Gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

Thank God for reminding me not to boast on deeds!

Faith comes first before good deeds. Good deeds should just be a manifestation of faith in God. Good deeds will not save you; If good deeds are the basis to heaven then how NOISY heaven would be. All will be boasting of their deeds and achievements...

Jesus was truly amazing when he said that it is through FAITH... because faith cannot be measured or be boasted. No matter how small your faith is, God does not measure how immense it is. Again it was stated in the bible,

“If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you." Luke 17:6

It is by Faith and not by deeds. Good deeds are manifestation of your faith.

Compassion guards ourselves from Greed.
Faith guards ourselves from Self Gratification.
Humility guards ourselves from Pride.

Humility is not putting yourself below others. It is putting God above yourself.