None can walk the face of the earth without being offended at one point or the other. Lord Jesus, Himself assures us that offenses will come into our lives and they are unavoidable. However, it is not a helpless situation because we become stronger.
There are many people who find it difficult to forgive those who wrong them. It may be the gravity of the offense committed or just a stronghold of bitterness that went unchecked for a while and has taken root in the life of that individual.
To forgive is to release oneself or another person from bondage or imprisonment of guilt or anger for wrongs done. We may find it difficult when forgiveness turns into a commandment that we have to obey or observe. Indeed, Christians are commanded to forgive (Mark 11:25) but more than that, we are empowered to forgive. Forgiveness is of love and those who are born of God are born of love. It is in their nature to forgive, no matter how grievous the offense may be. Just like we love without condition, we are empowered to for forgive without condition.
If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven, says the Bible. Here are some benefits of forgiving.
Benefits of Forgiving
- Forgiveness Boosts the Divine Forgiveness
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven…(Luke 6:37)
It is a promise that one who forgives so will be forgiven. Forgiving those who wrong you aligns you with Divine mercies and compassion, attracting God’s forgiveness for your own wrongs. Unforgiveness restrains or keeps those who hold grudges from receiving forgiveness from God.
2. Empowers Prayer
Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; (Matthew 5:22-24)
So many prayers are not answered due to unforgiveness. When we are not ready, we walk in disobedience and rebellion against God. Of course, it is not possible to oppose God and yet receive forgiveness from Him. Those who will be forgiven without condition must learn to give forgiveness without condition.
3. Enhances Love
Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. (Luke 7:47)
People should have to feel how much he or she has been forgiven. It stirs up love in the heart of that individual. The scripture above makes us understand that those who have more sins or transgressions for which they have been forgiven naturally show more love towards the God who forgave them than those who wrong them. Understanding of the warmth of forgiveness will help you understand how dearly you are loved.
4. Facilitates Healing
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy), I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. (Luke 5:24)
It is difficult for him to receive the healing God offers if the guilt resides in us. That is what we see happening to the man mentioned in the verse above. Jesus knew exactly why the man would not have been able to receive healing even if he was prayed for it. So the LORD, in His Wisdom decided to attack the problem from its roots. The guilt of sins and transgression are stumbling blocks that people often topple over in an attempt to receive healing or any other blessing God offers. Once this hindrance is taken away, the reception of healing is inevitable.