When the Lord says that we will only be forgiven as we forgive others, once again he is looking out for our best interest. Have you ever wondered what life would be like without forgiveness?  The truth is the Law of Moses was given to offer people a guide so they could have the best life possible.

If you think back when you were a child and your parents told you not to do something, you can see now that it was because the loved you and were trying to protect you.  I will never forget putting my Mom’s card keys in the electric socket when I was about 3 years old. Needless to say, I remember it vividly.

Thankfully, she had a wooden key ring (it was the 70’s) which probably saved me from having some major damage. Of course, that’s debatable.  I just remember a powerful shock and followed by tears and crying. My mom ran to my aid promptly reminding me of why she told me not to do go driving in the wall.

Think about rules and guidelines. Often they are for our own good; however it is our human tendency to push the envelope and go our own way. God’s directive to forgive others is also because he loves us. Forgiveness is not a feeling. Forgiveness is a choice.

You may ask yourself, “How can I possibly forgive this person after what they did to me?”  The truth is that without understanding Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and love for us, it is hard to ever imagine the possibility of forgiving the unforgivable. I am so grateful to have a God that loves me regardless of my short comings. We all fall short of the glory of God.  A God that sees me as his creation and one that is continually striving to grow and mature.

We are foolish to think that we can wade through the challenges of life without the covering of the Holy Spirit. When we trust in Christ we can do things that at one time seemed impossible.  It is through Christ’s love that we can forgive those that have hurt us. This does not mean we have to continue to have a relationship with this person, it just means that we are no longer a prisoner as a result of what has happened.

Forgiveness is the key to freedom. We must remember that freedom has not and has never been free.  Let’s not take this gift for granted.

Grace and Peace to You!

Reverend Dallas is a Birmingham-based speaker, author and life coach.   To join our community and for more information about the ministry, resources and upcoming events, please visit www.dallasteague.com.