Forgive We are all human we are all weak flesh, we have weaknesses and we stumble and fall more often then we would like to admit. What is important is how we react to those situations and how we react to the weaknesses and transgressions of others. Whenever someone stumbles and falls, whenever sin may be involved, it affects more than just one individual it affects everything and everyone around them. Everyone pays a price for transgression our world and the environment we live in pays a price for transgression. Romans 3:23 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the esteem of Elohim, If we teshuvah (return, repent), Abba is quick to forgive us and separate us from our sin. Yeshua gave his life to cover us, to redeem us and to make forgiveness possible for each of us. Psalms 103:10-14 10 He has not done to us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our crookednesses. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His kindness toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as east is from west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion for his children, So הוהי has compassion for those who fear Him. 14 For He knows how we are made; He remembers that we are dust. Can you imagine if YHVH were not an Elohim of love and compassion? What if He was not an El of mercy? He is our Father and He is always ready to forgive us when we repent and turn to Him, and when we ask for forgiveness and mercy. His Arms are open wide He knows our flesh and that we are weak. He knows what is in our hearts and what our intentions truly are. 1 John 1:9-10 9 If we confess our sins, He is trustworthy and righteous to forgive us the sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us. There are a lot of people in denial Without forgiveness, none of us to would have any hope of making it into the Kingdom of Elohim. It is not possible for us in this human form, to go through life free of sin we
wrestle with it every day. YHVH is able to not only forgive us completely for our wrongs, but to forget them as well. Are we able to completely forgive those that may commit wrongs against us and also to forget those wrongs? Is it only YHVH who should forgive? Sooner, or later, we will all come into contact with someone who will cause us trouble, offend us in some way, or commit some type of wrong against us. It is our normal, human nature, along with the influence of the adversary, that causes us to react by becoming upset or angry, and to assume a get even attitude. Many people hold grudges against others, sometimes for years and years. Some people hold grudges openly against others and some grudges are held secretly behind someone s back. That attitude is reflected in the world around us all of the time. There are many examples of the inability of people to extend forgiveness to others and it can lead to anger and rage. Our society lacks forgiveness. We have all probably witnessed some sort of public scene where a person in a service type job, such as a cashier, or food server, has taken the brunt of a customer s frustrations. I saw one person in tears after being abused by a customer who had no mercy, or compassion, despite the fact that the person was doing the best that they could under difficult conditions. Would these same people, who have no hesitation about abusing others, appreciate being treated in the same manner? I seriously doubt it. Sadly, this same attitude has permeated the religious organizations of this world and even those who call themselves believers. There are those that lack mercy, forgiveness and who sometimes openly abuse the people of YHVH. Where does the truth lie? Are we really required to forgive everyone? Completely? Must we forget every wrong committed against us, over and over again? Without the forgiveness of sin, it would be impossible for any of us to enter into the Kingdom of Elohim. We all seek forgiveness and the cleansing of our sins, so that we may claim the reward that YHVH has promised to us, eternal life in the Kingdom of Elohim. It is our sin, our transgression, that separates us from our Abba. We must extend forgiveness to others, if we are to receive forgiveness ourselves. Yeshua made it very plain that we are to forgive others, for the wrongs that are committed against us. Matthew 6:15 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither shall your Father forgive your trespasses. Yeshua s words are perfectly clear here, there is no mistaking what His intent is. We cannot receive forgiveness for our sins, if we do not extend forgiveness to others. Notice what Yeshua said in the verse just prior to this one:
Matthew 6:14 14 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father shall also forgive you. Forgiveness of our sins depends on our willingness, desire and ability to forgive others for any wrongs committed against us, or our loved ones. In many ways, this is one of the hardest things that we are required to do. We want revenge we want a reckoning. Forgiveness does not always come easily and many times it is a huge obstacle that we must overcome. I know I have wrestled with this myself, none of us are immune. Abba requires us to forgive, because He knows how harmful it is for us if we do not and He expects us to extend the same forgiveness that we are given, to others. Holding onto thoughts of revenge and holding grudges against others, becomes a festering wound within us. If they are not dealt with, those thoughts create an open door for wrong attitudes and thoughts to enter into our minds sometimes those thoughts lead to actions. If we are able to forgive and put those wrongs behinds us, then we can be about the most important goal in our lives, seeking the Kingdom of Elohim. None of us wants to be robbed of our inheritance do we? We always need to be mindful that we are far from perfect ourselves; we are all growing and trying to overcome our human nature. We all have enough spots and blemishes in our own lives to deal with, without worrying about trying to remove the spots and blemishes of others. Everyone has their imperfections and we have to overlook and forgive when we are affected by others imperfections. Yeshua says that we must forgive even when we are wronged repeatedly. Matthew 18:21-22 21 Then Kĕpha came to Him and said, Master, how often shall my brother יהושע sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times? 22,mih ot dias I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. How can we be developing character in our lives, if we are lacking in the ability to extend forgiveness. It is a critical and very necessary part of our growth! We cannot afford to become mired down with the unwillingness and inability to forgive! That does not mean that we have to become a doormat for someone and continue to take abuse from them either. That is not showing wisdom and not everyone is a brother and a believer. People in the world do not understand the principles that YHVH s Word teaches us and they do not live by them. There are times when we forgive, that we also have to remove ourselves out of a situation and cut off relationships with people who are unrepentant. There are people in
this world who do not care who they hurt and only care about themselves. That includes those who call themselves believers and the People of YHVH. We have to be discerning and we have to recognize those who are immature in their walk. We need to show mercy. We are all in different stages in our spiritual growth. We are all striving to become spiritually mature, but it takes time! Some of us grow and mature faster than others. How are those who are spiritually immature ever going to grow into maturity, unless they are allowed the latitude to do so? We can become judgmental to the point of ignoring our own faults. There are times when someone must be rebuked when a wrong has been committed, or when sin is clearly involved. What does it mean to rebuke someone? To rebuke means to criticize sharply, it is meant as a means of correction. It is meant to restore someone back to the body. If practiced in the right way and with the right attitude it will turn someone from going the wrong way and cause them to think and turn back to YHVH in repentance. It is not intended as a tool to drive someone away. There are clear directions for dealing with those types of situations. Yeshua provides us with some instruction and an example as to how these matters should be dealt with between believers. We are always to consider ourselves and how we would want to be treated in a similar situation. Luke 17:3-4 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day comes back to you, saying, I repent, you shall forgive him. Of all people, the people of YHVH should be able to approach each other without the giving, or taking, of offense. We are putting into practice YHVH s way of life now, in this human form and in this world. If you are the type of person that tends to have a stronger personality, then you must take care not to offend others. It does not matter how you preface it if you say something that you know is going to be offensive, or even suspect will be offensive, you bear the responsibility for that. You cannot excuse it or explain it away we are supposed to be changed and be transformed, we are supposed to take on the character of YHVH. Matthew 18:6-7 6 But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it is better for him that a millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of stumblingblocks! For it is necessary that stumbling-blocks come, but woe to that man by whom the stumbling-block comes!
We are in charge of our tongues, so there is no excuse. If you are rude and abrasive, that is a choice quit making excuses for that behavior. You will be held accountable. Sometimes the truth of YHVH s word is hard to take. Sometimes an open rebuke is necessary and appropriate. There is a difference in the intent and purpose. Did Yeshua hold back for the sake of not causing offense? Did He compromise the truth so that it would be easier for people to hear and accept? Matthew 15:7-14 7 Hypocrites! Yeshayahu rightly prophesied about you, saying, 8 This people draw near to Me with their mouth, and respect Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 9 But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as teachings the commands of men. 10 And calling the crowd near, He said to them, Hear and understand: 11 Not that which goes into the mouth defiles the man, but that which comes out of the mouth, this defiles the man. 12 Then His taught ones came and said to Him, Do You know that the Pharisees stumbled when they heard this word? 13 But He answering, said, Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted shall be uprooted. 14 Leave them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both shall fall into a ditch. If you are a person that has a meek personality, then you must take care not to be easily offended. Remember we are all individuals and we all come from different backgrounds and we all have different ways of thinking. Some people are very sensitive and if you know that is your tendency, then you have to take extra care to make sure you are not finding offense where none is intended. Use the discernment Abba gives you and ask someone for clarification if you are unsure as to their intent. YHVH s Way, is to have a balance in all things. We must remember to deal with each other with love and respect, as individuals and fellow inheritors of Elohim s Kingdom. It is inevitable that sooner or later, we will cause offense to someone. We can even unintentionally offend someone by our actions. But, it is how we handle the matter from that point on that is extremely important. Sha ul understood this concept very well. He tried very hard not to cause offense to anyone he came into contact with. He felt that it was so important, that he instructed the people in Corinth, how they should treat others without causing offense. 1 Corinthians 10:30-33 30 But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for what I give thanks? 31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the esteem of Elohim. 32 ause no stumbling, either to the Yehu im or to the Greeks or to the assembly of Elohim, 33 as I also please all men in all
matters, not seeking my own advantage, but that of the many, that they might be saved. We must be careful not to purposefully cause offense, but also not to compromise with the Word of YHVH. I have actually seen situations where someone has tried harder not to offend an unbeliever, than their own Brothers and Sisters in Yeshua! Once someone has been offended, it is not an easy thing to regain their trust and friendship. Proverbs 18:19 19 A brother transgressed against is a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a citadel. Sha ul realized that his actions and how he handled himself around others, could very well affect his ability to minister to YHVH s people. 2 Corinthians 6:1-3 1 And working together, we also call upon you not to receive the favour of Elohim in vain 2 For He says, In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in a day of deliverance I have helped you. See, now is the well-accepted time, see, now is a day of deliverance 3 giving no cause of stumbling in whatever, so that the service is not blamed. The People of YHVH need the support and encouragement of the rest of those who belong to YHVH, to stand strong and finish the race. We all must do whatever we can to support, encourage and strengthen each other and the body as a whole. Hebrews 10:23-25 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our expectation without yielding, for He who promised is trustworthy. 24 And let us be concerned for one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging, and so much more as you see the Day coming near. We all must continue to grow, prepare and make ourselves ready, so that we may be accepted by YHVH and become the bride of Yeshua. We must forgive and forget not only each others trespasses, but the trespasses of others who are not part of YHVH s people. We have to have mercy and forgiveness, so that we may be forgiven and shown mercy ourselves. We should especially be able to readily forgive those that are among the called out people of YHVH. Galatians 6:10 10 So then, as we have occasion, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of the belief.
Learning to have forgiveness lifts a huge burden from us and truly sets us free. If we have forgiveness, we can concentrate on what is really important staying the course and making it all the way to the end and finally entering into the Kingdom of Elohim. Learning to have forgiveness, to forget wrongs committed against us and to have mercy are traits that we must all take on, if we want Elohim to accept us into His glorious Kingdom! If we want to be like our Father, we must forgive and forget. Copyright 2017 Jeff L Mills www.haemet.org