Forgiveness is a command … and like every command that we are given, there is always a choice involved … and making the right choice decides whether we will suffer failure or see great favor.

We were not created as robots … we are called the redeemed, and as sons and daughters of God, we do not live to fulfill obligations … we live to follow the Father in full obedience.

There are very specific things that we are to embrace and live out, but we do that from a position of complete surrender, rather than a place of constrained struggle.

We are not harshly driven to engage, there is a holy drawing to enter in … to go further and to find His pleasure in His presence.

Here is one great command that we all need to reckon with in a real way!

Forgiveness … We Must Make It A Reality Or Risk Everything!
Brent Rinehart in his article, “What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?” reminds us that … all of us are in need of forgiveness (Romans 3:23), we must acknowledge that forgiving others is a prerequisite for our own forgiveness. (Matthew 6: 14-15) and that a lack of forgiveness breaks our fellowship with God. (Matthew 5: 23-24)

These are the realities that compel us towards forgiveness … and yet we must risk everything to see this actually lived out in our lives. We will either breakthrough or we will be buried … and likely broken by our battle.

Look at what Brent goes on to say, “whether it’s a simple spat with your spouse or long-held resentment toward a family member or friend, unresolved conflict can go deeper than you may realize—it may be affecting your physical health. The good news: Studies have found that the act of forgiveness can reap huge rewards for your health, lowering the risk of heart attack; improving cholesterol levels and sleep; and reducing pain, blood pressure, and levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. And research points to an increase in the forgiveness-health connection as you age.”

Think about this!

Forgiveness … We Must Make It A Reality Or Risk Everything!
Can you see now why it is so critical to consciously choose forgiveness?

By saying, “I forgive you”, we free ourselves to be forgiven by the Father and thus we are fully free to walk with Him in newness of life.

It is only when we commit to forgive that freedom can flow and we can really let things go. No one holds sway over us and nothing, literally nothing can stand in our way!

This then, is how we should live!

Because forgiveness is both a commandment and a choice …

▪ we must make it personal to make it possible
▪ we must make it more than a casual concern
▪ we must make it ours to own

Forgiveness … We Must Make It A Reality Or Risk Everything!

Not a simple choice or a casual commitment … but it is the Word of the Lord.

All of me for all of Him … that is the cost of this exchange.

– Terry –