Attention, Affection, and Honor! These are the actions of someone who forgives others who have sinned against them! It's an unusual way to start this month’s blog, but it was a powerful reminder I heard while listening to a sermon—one that I needed to hear but didn’t want to hear! These three words are easy to achieve when it comes to responding to those that you love! What about when it comes to people who are unkind and challenging to be around? Seemingly impossible? For me, YES!, but all things are possible with God’s help and strength!
When we forgive people who have sinned against us, we may “say” we have forgiven because that is what we are commanded to do according to Ephesians 4:32, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (my emphasis added). We may even believe we have done it, but it often leads to bitterness or hatred of that individual. So how can we be confident that we have forgiven others as God has forgiven us?
1. We humble ourselves by remembering that we have sinned against others, including God.
2. We no longer hold that sin against the individual. This doesn’t necessarily mean we won’t remember, but the idea is that we don’t use opportunities to remind them of what they did.
3. We don’t gossip about them or slander them with others. We should focus on their strengths and pray for God to help them with their areas of struggle.
4. We pray for them.
5. We put their needs first, ahead of ourselves.
6. We do our best to help them however we can.
7. We show them love. It is not just words; it must be displayed by heartfelt and sincere action!
8. We desire what is BEST for them.
9. We rejoice with them.
10. We readily forgive them again if they sin against us.
This must be one of the most challenging things I have faced recently, but I am thankful for answered prayer and understanding that will strengthen my Christian walk! God can give all of us the strength to do what is right.
