Downloads from the Lord: More about Forgiveness
I referenced Mark 11:25 in the previous two blog posts, where forgiveness is mentioned as an essential part of our life.
Mark 11:25(NIV)
25And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
As I reflected on the many Scriptures addressing forgiveness, I was at a loss for how to present them. Should I write some of my thoughts regarding this subject and provide Scripture as proof, or just let the Bible speak for itself? You can read on to find out which way won out:
Matthew 6:11-13 (NIV)
11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
Luke 23:34 (ESV)
34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
Luke 17:3-4 (NIV)
3So watch yourselves. “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.4 If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”
1 John 1:9 (ESV)
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Luke 7:44-48 (NIV)
44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven–for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
James 5:14-15 (NLT2)
14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.
1 John 2:12 (ESV)
12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.
Proverbs 17:9 (NLT2)
9 Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.
Lord, help us to forgive other people as you have extended forgiveness to us. As in all things Lord, you are our example of how to conduct our life. Jesus, it’s in your name I pray. Amen
Luke 23:34 (NLT2)
34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”