It is amazing how easily offended we can get; and consequently how hard it can be at times to forgive and “let-it-go”. I have seen families destroyed by un-forgiveness. I have seen lives lived so far below existence simply due to un-forgiveness. We all have seen countries and cities divided and ravaged by acts of revenge due to un-forgiveness. There are clubs and gangs whose sole reason to exist seems to be based upon hatred due to un-forgiveness. One of the more famous feuds in America was the The Hatfield–McCoy feud (1878–1891) which involved two warring families of West Virginia–Kentucky.
Yet, God has a different plan; a message intended to change all of mankind. It was His intent that this message of forgiveness be preached throughout the whole world.
So why do we not forgive? My suggestion is because we are so in need of justice (and self-centeredness) that we can’t see the bigger picture of what a waste of time it is to hold on to someone “until they pay.” In this lies one of the greatest tragedies of Christianity; forgiveness made available to all people yet not accepted and made real in their personal lives. One of the most neglected teachings of Jesus is that of forgiveness.
When asked by the disciples of Jesus to teach them how to pray, Jesus showed them (and us) a format known as “The Lord’s Prayer” or “Our Father” (Matthew 6:9-15). In Jesus’ example, He says; “Forgive us as we forgive those who trespass against us”. Notice, Jesus did not suggest we pray; “Father help us to forgive others as you forgive me’, but rather “Forgive me the same way that I forgive other people”. Wow; do we really want forgiveness under those terms? If we realized what we prayed or asked, we would be quick to start forgiving a whole lot more quickly.
Another time in the Bible, Peter asked how many times we should forgive someone for committing the same thing. Jesus said “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22). That means that potentially, I may need to forgive someone 490 times a day for the same stupid thing! Forgiveness could end up being a fulltime assignment in my life!
During the “Last Supper” we see a very clear example of how strongly Jesus commands us to do this (John 13:11-15). Jesus is gets up and washes ALL of the disciples feet; including Judas who was about to sell Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Jesus (Teacher and Lord), after He washed ALL of their feet, tells them “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15)
My friends; it is not enough for us to preach forgiveness as one of the cornerstones of Christianity; we must (with God’s help) live it out. Forgiveness changes relationships between husbands and wives, children and parents, family members, neighbors; everybody!
Understanding this principle of forgiveness will change your entire life, too. When we learn, with God’s help, to habitually do nothing but forgive, then we will see victory and peace in our lives and relationships; and we will also see answers from Heaven. We too will be able to do the things that Jesus did. We too will be a true follower of Jesus when we learn to wash the feet of Judas.
"Jesus Washed Judas's Feet" by LUST CONTROL from the Album Fun Fun Feeling
Jesus washed Judas' feet
Jesus washed Judas' feet
Jesus washed Judas' feet
Jesus washed Judas' feet
Why can't you forgive too?
Why can't you forgive too?
Why can't you forgive too?
Why can't you forgive too?
Jesus knew he was the devil from the start
Jesus knew he was the devil from the start
Even when you know your brother's wrong
Love your enemies
Love your enemies
Love your enemies
Love your enemies
Discipline in love
Discipline in love
Discipline in love
Discipline in love!
(John 13:5, 25-30)
Copyright 1991 Lust Control
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