Forgiveness is critical to the health of your soul. How do I know this? Because above all, our soul needs love. If God is the source of all love, and, as the Bible says, God, indeed IS Love—then—above ALL else, God’s presence is necessary for the good health of our soul.
Thus, it is of vital importance that we do whatever it takes to stay close to God. What ruptures our relationship with God? Jesus said:
“If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Matthew 6:14-15
To NOT be forgiven by God would be a great tragedy for the health of our soul.
It would be severing our most important life-line. That’s why we need to get forgiveness done…and it needs to be done right! So now that we understand why forgiveness is vital…let’s see if we’ve actually done it right! Test yourself with one simple question.
Is there anyone of whom you would say: “But you just don’t know what they did to me?” Well, that’s an obvious sign forgiveness has not been done right—right? Good intentions and words do not equate to forgiveness.
So what does the Bible say is proof of forgiveness?
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long suffering; 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 3:12-13
When we can show kindness, humility, patience and a willingness to bear the burdens of those who have hurt us then—we have proof that we have forgiven. Furthermore…
Unforgiveness does not just hurt YOUR soul but it hurts OTHERS as well.
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this MANY become defiled.”
Hebrews 12:14-15
You know you’ve truly forgiven someone when you want the SAME blessings for them—you want for yourself.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32
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