Post by Zac Loh on Aug 10, 2010 0:39:46 GMT -5
Forgiveness is a condition of the heart. If we don't forgive others, it means that we don't believe in forgiveness.
How then, can we ask forgiveness from God if we don't believe in forgiveness? We are hypocrites, if such is the case.
When we consider how God so loved the world, including us, at Calvary, and forgave us while we were yet sinners ...we begin to believe in forgiveness if we haven't believed in it already ...and we are encouraged to enter into this forgiveness of God.
We ask forgiveness from God because we believe in forgiveness. And because we believe in forgiveness, we are willing to forgive others, even though at certain times we need the power of God to overcome hurt, rejection and bitterness.
The Lord's Prayer begin with Our Father meaning that this prayer is for those who have already received forgiveness, and given the power to become God's children, thus enabled to call God `Father'. When we remember how God had forgiven us at Calvary (on a daily basis), it becomes an impetus for us to forgive others.
Now, what if we are not willing to forgive others? Then we stop believing in forgiveness. Which give rise to another question: does God answer a hypocritical prayer? I think not.
So, as long as we are willing to forgive despite the struggle (regardless how massive it is); God will help us to forgive.
How then, can we ask forgiveness from God if we don't believe in forgiveness? We are hypocrites, if such is the case.
When we consider how God so loved the world, including us, at Calvary, and forgave us while we were yet sinners ...we begin to believe in forgiveness if we haven't believed in it already ...and we are encouraged to enter into this forgiveness of God.
We ask forgiveness from God because we believe in forgiveness. And because we believe in forgiveness, we are willing to forgive others, even though at certain times we need the power of God to overcome hurt, rejection and bitterness.
The Lord's Prayer begin with Our Father meaning that this prayer is for those who have already received forgiveness, and given the power to become God's children, thus enabled to call God `Father'. When we remember how God had forgiven us at Calvary (on a daily basis), it becomes an impetus for us to forgive others.
Now, what if we are not willing to forgive others? Then we stop believing in forgiveness. Which give rise to another question: does God answer a hypocritical prayer? I think not.
So, as long as we are willing to forgive despite the struggle (regardless how massive it is); God will help us to forgive.