Why should I Forgive? By Pastor Faith Oyedepo
Topic: Why should I Forgive?
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”-Matthew 6:14-15
Some couples, at one time or the other, ask the question of why they should forgive their spouse for the wrong done to them. Some even vow unforgiveness because the offence committed by their spouse was of the“highest order.” Some of the excuses for making such judgements are even justifiable by human understanding;to God though, there is nothing as unforgiveness.
Think for a moment of where you were before God met with you. What you did in the past, how much hurt and shame you had brought to Him, how you betrayed His love and even now that you are in Him (if you are), how many times you failed Him since. Think of how God’s hands and heart still longs after you with undying love, ready to forgive at the instance of your confession. Now compare that with what your partner or that other person may have done that should warrant unforgiveness. Selah.
After you have sincerely meditated on this, ask yourself if he or she now is due your forgiveness. Truth is: Forgiving your spouse or anyone else of the wrong committed against you is also freeing yourself from hurts and unnecessary burdens. It is letting go of unnecessary baggage (that only slows down your life’s pace);thereby freeing up your own access to God’s forgiveness and love.
Although, this does not come easy, especially when your emotions are badly hurt, you can with all sincerity call for God’s help through the Holy Spirit. He will purge you of every anger and resentment you may feel and restore your relationship with the offender. Good news is, you can begin this process today by just deciding in your heart to forgive. Let go of every offence today therefore, by opening up your heart to do so.
If you have not surrendered your life to Christ though, this is next to impossible. So, in order to walk in His order of love and forgiveness, say this prayer out loud with faith:
Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I believe You died and rose again for my sake. Forgive me of my sins, take over my life, make me Your child and let Your peace reign over my life. Thank you for saving me. Now I know I am born again!
Congratulations, you are now born again! I believe that you will begin to experience the reality of the price that Jesus paid for your sins at Calvary. All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name!
Remain Blessed!
Pastor Faith Abiola Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.
