Pastor Sam shared a very important thought with us this past Sunday (paraphrased here): God has shown me grace; who am I not to show His grace to others?
"Who is a God like You: one who forgives sins and passes over the rebellion of the remnant of His inheritance; He does not keep hold of His anger forever, but delights in showing loyal love. You will return and have mercy on us; You will conquer our evil deeds; You will hurl our sins into the depths of the sea." (Micah 7:18-19)
"For if you forgive people their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins." (Matthew 6:14-15)
One of the points in our mission statement, "to experience forgiveness of sin", is carried out by both the Lord and His Church. Matthew 6:14 informs us that forgiveness is a tandem process. We who seek forgiveness from God are also mandated to extend forgiveness to others. If we do not forgive, then we are not forgiven. It's that simple.
Forgive swiftly! Forgive freely! Trust God regarding the future of relationships scarred by rebellion: some (like Peter) may be fully restored, while others (like Judas) may be lost forever. It's okay! The Lord has promised that He will "instruct us and teach us in the way we should go" (see Psalm 32:8). It is safe, and right, to open our hearts and spirits to His perfect counsel.
God does not keep hold of His anger forever. Neither should we. Forgive. No "if"s, "and"s, or "but"s.
Lord God, give us Your grace that we might experience this powerful, liberating, tandem state of being forgiven and being forgivers.
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