Many Christians believe that praying is about asking God for the things one needs or desires and that's all. Some have learned that God is a living God and still speaks to His people today, so they add listening to their times of prayer. But there is another very important facet to a vital prayer life--forgiveness. To remain at odds with another person through unforgiveness, hatred, anger or bitterness is an unrighteous attitude and act. In Proverbs, the Scriptures are clear, God does not hear the prayers of the unrighteous. When we repent and recieve Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, Jesus' righteousness is imputed to us, but that does not give us permission to practice unrighteousness. Our own forgiveness is of no greater importance to God than the forgiveness of another person by us. Think about it.

The Israel of Jesus' time was looking for one like David who would lead armies of men to conquer their oppressors and re-establish Israel as a "free" nation. But they were never "free" from the greatest oppressor of mankind, Sin.

Jesus came as both "legal" Prince and Annointed Savior to Israel and all mankind. The gifts He would give the people were " a changed life and sins forgiven." However, they preferred their "old way" of life,i.e., turn to God; God sends a man to raise an army and push back the oppressor, as a blessing to His people; His people enjoy freedom and prosperity; they forget God and worhsip idols; God allows an oppressor to come and conquer His people; they begin to cry out for a savior; and, on and on, around and around the cycle went (see the book of Judges). Jesus Christ came to break the cycle once and for all. Some would believe and receive, others would not.

We, who are Jesus' disciples, are not here on earth to fight oppressors but to bring the good news of a changed life and forgiveness of sins. We must remember that our message is "Christ crucified, Christ risen." Think about it.

Have you ever really trusted God to "set you right" when you've gotten it wrong? Have you tried to fight or work your way back to the right way when your've erred or sinned? Some of us ridicule ourselves, even "beat ourselves up" for making mistakes. We have heard, and even mentally assented, to the fact that God forgives and cleanses us from sin, but the fact that He'll "set us right" we may not have really believed that He would do it. Will you trust Him to do that--set you right again? There is great liberty in knowing that He will set us right again! But, we must be willing to let Him do it, submitting to His instruction and following His lead, just like Abraham. Think about it.

“Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?” This is a question the disciple Peter asks of Jesus. Jesus exhorts Peter to be in a continual process of forgiveness with the answer, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” He goes on to illustrate his point with a parable about a servant who humbles himself to the Master and asks for mercy. Then, having received mercy, that servant arrogantly demands payment from a fellow servant who is indebted to him. The parable ends with the unmerciful servant in prison. That is truly what happens to the arrogant. Not only does arrogance think he is superior, he elevates himself to the position of judge and executioner of those who are perceived to have sinned against him. While Jesus walked among men, He repeatedly warned them not to judge or condemn, but to forgive. Arrogance believes he should always receive mercy but is in no way obligated to give it. Arrogance is quick to demand justice, if it serves his selfish purposes. The slightest misstep or fault of another inflames his self-righteous indignation and looses vehement criticism upon the errant. Arrogance holds Love up to ridicule for being merciful, crucifies Love’s character, and foolishly asserts that he will have no part of it! But Love is merciful, even up to seventy times seven and beyond. Love does not deny that a debt exists but graciously forgives it. Love is willing to take the loss so that another might gain. Love recognizes that mankind is shortsighted and naturally tends toward sin. Love also understands that man, himself, cannot keep himself from behaving sinfully. So, Love steps in and generously, graciously, assumes the indebtedness that occurs. Love wisely knows that a “free” man is more likely to be fruitful than one who is in prison. Love’s only desire is that those He forgives would do likewise. Think about it.

It is the dripping of the little blunders and omissions in every day life that wear down the mountain of pretentious well-being exposing, in the conceited, the bed-rock of ill-temper. At the headwaters of these rivulets we find our familiar relationships. Every relationship has the potential of provocation in its framework. The nails that hold that framework together are the expectations of safety and care. If these expectations remain unrealized, provocation is sure to occur. Arrogance presumes upon another to perceive and meet his expectations--now! Love does not hold onto expectations of his fellows. Rather he sees clearly the instability of human character, relies on the immutable character of the Divine One, and forgives. Love does not become angry at the petty shortcomings of those he regularly encounters. Love gives, to the failure, a safe place where he or she can receive forgiveness, hope and the courage to change and try again. Think about it.

Love is not jealous. It is not distrustful of one who seems to have an advantage (The Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Jealousy’s root lies in broken trust. When a person trusts in another of greater authority and/or importance, his heart is open to that person. (Usually the first persons we trust are our parents.) When the trustee of our expectations is perceived to have failed to keep what has been entrusted to him or her, our trust is said to be “broken.” It is in this soil that the seeds of unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, and, yes, jealousy can begin to grow. If a child is taught to uproot these carnal seedlings with love and forgiveness, he will not harvest the evil of jealousy. He will keep his heart open and rejoicing when others have blessings and are lifted up. He will compassionately grieve when others suffer loss. He will be at peace with those in authority. He will be wise with godly wisdom and will him self be trustworthy. Think about it.

“Chesed” means “faithful love.” God and His people belong together because we are both involved in the love relationship. When we say to God, “You are my God and I am your people,” from the heart, God takes you at your word and acts on it. Out of His faithful love, He makes a covenant with us, an eternal covenant. Because eternity is in His heart, everything that comes forth from it is eternally significant. God’s faithful love insures His communion with us, His deliverance, enablement, enlightenment, guidance, forgiveness, hope, praise, and preservation of those who “love Him and obey His commandments.” And, I, am I the loyal, trustworthy Bride or is harlotry hidden in my heart? “Examine me, O Lord, and try me; test my mind and my heart. For Thy lovingkindness {chesed} is before my eyes . . .” Psalm 26. Think about it.

Forgiveness is the cross but it is also the resurrection. With every "debt" we forgive, we die, but, it is so the "life of Christ" may be formed in us. The modern Church of Jesus Christ and its leaders and members need to repent for our lack of zeal about forgiveness. We have been on a bent to make people "feel better about themselves" so they would support our church programs and workers, instead of establishing them in the foundation, "Christ crucified, sins forgiven, life eternal." Being "transformed" isn't "thinking positively" or "doing better." It is "denying self, picking up our cross and accompanying Christ." We too often equate "picking up our cross" as bearing up under the difficulties of life. Nothing could be farther from the truth! "Picking up our cross" means crucifying our old nature and its ways, that includes giving up unforgiveness. "Following (accompanying) Christ" means that we have relinquished our citizenship in the "domain of darkness" and have embraced the Kingdom of God with all its principles, activities and rewards. Unforgiveness is NOT found in God's kingdom. Think about it.

Forgiveness is giving before being asked, giving what is owed by another. It’s about giving. Think about it.

The Holy Spirit's work within us is to develop the character of Christ in us. Just as He is constantly at work to produce Christ's characteristics of love and compassion, He labors to develop His characteristic of forgiveness in us. Why do you do devotions each day or memorize Scripture or go to church on Sunday? Is it not that you might honor God and be changed in attitude and conduct to resemble Him? Do you want to love as Christ loves? Then practicing forgiveness, the receiving and giving of it, is paramount in your life-style. Do you want the joy that gives you strength for the hard journey of life? Do you want the peace of heart and mind that is like a fortress in the middle of life's battles? Do you want life that neither the world, the flesh nor the devil can take from you? The way of forgiveness, the way of Christ, that is the way. Forgiveness is as important to your health as a good diet and exercise. Forgiveness is as important to your prosperity as wise decisions about investments. Forgiveness is as essential to a good marriage as good communication and love. Forgiveness is as necessary for a bright future as choosing Christ as Your Savior. Think about it.

The "blame game" is a deadly game, a devilish game--there are no winners. We human beings have all played the game; we are all caught in its trap. How can we be freed? "Thanks be to God though Jesus Christ Our Lord!" We can turn away from the game, repent and turn to Christ asking for forgiveness and receiving it, giving forgiveness and receiving love, healing, truth, and life.
God is good and just. In Genesis 3, Satan suggests to Eve that God is not good or just because He sets limitations on mankind. Later, Adam accuses God of not being good and just by complaining about "the woman You gave me." Eve chimes in and suggests that same thing, inferring that what God created good has some fault in it. And the deception goes on-- Satan's plan is that, through sin-tainted human relationships and creation around us, we would conclude that God is not good or just; that we would give "the creature" the authority to define God for us. This is why forgiveness is so huge in importance! With forgiveness our eyes are opened to see the truth that God is the ONLY good and just One. We are made free from the deception of, and submission to, "sin's" authority. Think about it.

If an individual desires deeper intimacy with God, then forgiveness is a needed companion. Anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness will only block the way, fetter this desire and keep the human spirit and heart languishing for life. Forgiveness is the weapon of the pilgrim that slays the dragon and destroys his works. It is the supernatural strength that tears down strongholds and vain imaginations which keep us from the knowledge of God. Forgiveness is the way of the overcomer. Think about it.

God commands us to love Him with our whole hearts. Though I came to the Lord wholeheartedly, my heart was still riddled with offenses and sin. The gaining of a "whole" heart is a process, called sanctification; it is part of our life's journey. God holds our hearts as of great value to Him. Jesus came to redeem the heart of each person for God. The Holy Spirit indwells the believer's heart in order to keep it for God. Redemption occurs through the forgiveness of our sins. Wholeness is obtained through the forgiveness of sin. Forgiveness is the key to entering the Kingdom and it is to be the lifestyle of a Kingdom citizen. Think about it.

An angry people live with strife and destruction; forgiveness is mightier than the sword. The elements of the pillar of virtue, forbearance, are forgiveness, patience, wisdom and peace. Not only does anger produce strife, it also acts foolishly. Freedom is best upheld by the patient, the wise and the forgiving. Vengeance and retaliation increase bondage and give place to destruction. Forgiveness disarms evil, strengthens peace and crowns freedom. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.” A son has more power than a slave; the angry man is his own tyrant. Saint James said that the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (Righteousness and virtue are synonymous.) Anger, rather, is a thief, stealing freedom and usurping the authority of freedom's Governor. Anger is more likely to engage sin and wickedness than bring about justice, liberty or virtue. Think about it.

Kindness is putting someone in the place of privilege. Privilege is “a right or immunity granted as an advantage or favor,” says Merriam-Webster. The “golden rule” was birthed out of the kindness of the Lord: “Do unto others as ye would have them do unto you.” Our Heavenly Father’s lovingkindness has been the song of Israel throughout her history. In His kindness we find mercy; in His mercy we find hope and a future. It is God’s kindness that draws us to repentance, grants us forgiveness and empowers us to love and do good. It is the fruit of kindness in the Christian’s life that stirs up the hunger for God in the heart of man. It is kindness that turns away wrath and disarms malice. Kindness shows respect to the unrepentant and undeserving. The warmth of kindness beckons the cold-hearted traveler to enter the King’s house and sup with Him. Think about it.

Joy—we use this word a lot in our conversations with other saints; we sing of it; encourage others with it. But, do we understand it? I have been pondering joy for days and have concluded that it is not happiness, for happiness is fleeting.

Joy is the strength of the Vine, Jesus Christ, and it is given to strengthen His branches (that’s we who abide in Him). Just like the substance of the sap, not only gives life to the plant, it also gives it suppleness, a strength. That’s why branches do not break in the high winds of storms, unless they have no sap in them and are dry and brittle. That’s why tall trees, full of sap, wave in hurricane-force winds but are not overturned. Their roots grab into the earth with their supple strength. So it is when joy is in the heart of the saint.

“The joy of the Lord is my strength,” says the psalmist in Scripture. For the saint of God, joy is infused into the deep fibers of the saint’s spirit by the Holy Spirit of God. It is meant to enable us to endure the storms of life in this world but also strengthens us to bear fruit for the increase of the Kingdom. With the joy of the Lord we can suffer greatly yet there is a suppleness in our hearts that keeps us from becoming brittle and thoroughly “broken off.” Joy strengthens us for forgiveness of others, for loving those who hurt us and for blessing those who persecute or curse us. Joy strengthens us for faith when tragedies blow into our lives. Like a root, it holds us, in faith, to believe that God will fulfill all His promises to us and that He will cause all things to work together for our good. “For the joy set before Him endured the cross . . .”

Just as love is the crowning glory of God’s saints; joy is our strength to live godly lives in a world that hates us (See John 17:13-21). Think about it.

What, or who, is an enemy? This someone who "attacks or tries to harm another." (Merriam-Webster) An enemy strategizes and calculates, pre-meditatively, how to attack and harm the person considered "an opponent." Jesus goes on to describe the behavior and attitude of our "enemies." Our enemy is filled with hatred for us; he/she curses us most vehemently; and mistreats us at every opportunity. Our enemy strikes at our "face." This can be physical but it can also be by insults and false accusations, trying to damage our reputation. Our enemy may "take away" property, but also, try to take away significant people in our lives. How do we love those who intentionally want to harm us? We use the number one spiritual weapon, "love," divine love, made effective by Christ's Spirit dwelling within us who trust in Him. This weapon does not bring vengeance. For vengeance is the Lord's. It wields blessing, good deeds and faith. It strikes with kindness, charity and forgiveness. It reveals God and Christ in His glory and almightiness. It opens our enemy's eyes to see beyond us to the only powerful, holy God.

I was an enemy of God. But He disarmed me with His love. He changed me from enemy to friend by treating me with respect and honor. He won my heart when He asked me to be His special child. Think about it.

Unlike Jesus Christ, none of us has dealt with our sin or the sins of others to the point of sacrificially shedding our own blood (Hebrews 12:3-11). Jesus felt the same emotions as we do when misunderstood, persecuted, rejected, grieved, abandoned and betrayed—yet, He dealt with each offence God’s way, by God’s grace. And, God rewarded Him, for He did not remain in the grave, He was raised from the dead and sits now at God’s right hand—the place of honor, majesty and authority. We, Christians, are called to do the same, not in our own way and strength, but by this same grace that Christ had when He was on earth. This is the grace to endure, obey, suffer, maybe even die; yet, to be raised from the dead to eternal glory and a reward that has been prepared and kept for us in heaven. Amazing Grace! Selah.