What Jesus Says About Forgiveness

Did you know that the number one killer of human life in America is unforgiveness? The very thing man has the most problems with is the reason Jesus came. God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Jesus had strong words about unforgiveness. He said, Be on your guard. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and comes back to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him (Luke 17:3-4). Think about it. If someone hurt me seven times in one day, and asked me seven times to forgive him, I would find it very difficult. What about you?

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith" (John 17:5).

Jesus replied, If you have the faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted into the sea,' and it will obey you (John 17:6). Check this out.  A mustard seed is the tiniest of all plant seeds and a mulberry tree grows to be over thirty feet. Its roots go down deep into the ground and become as large as the tree. It survives in just about any climate. Like unforgiveness, the mulberry tree grows on very little. It doesn't take much for the pain of someone's words or actions against us to grow into unforgiveness, which grows into holding grudges, which grows into bitterness. Out of control, unforgiveness dries up our bones and makes us sick physically and spiritually. Without forgiveness, our bitterness can lead to disease, malice or murder. 

Think About It
We don't have to be sick with unforgiveness. With a tiny faith, we can trust Jesus to help us forgive others as He forgave us. Is there someone you need to forgive? Don't let it fester inside you until it's out of control. Jesus came for this very reason.

Pray About It
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your gift of forgiveness. Please help me to forgive (----------) today. Amen. 

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