Luke 6:37-38 (NIV) Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
This is a well known scripture. It's usually tied in with tithes and offerings, or some other type of monetary or physical giving. BUT while reading this last night, I noticed that right before Luke speaks about giving and the enormous blessings you can expect to receive by doing so, he speaks about JUDGING and FORGIVENESS. Forgiveness is something that is extremely important to God. He would not be GOD if he did not forgive. It is one of the best things about him! We always speak of his mercy, and how he is loving, forgiving, and kind when we least deserve it. It's important for Christians to have that same forgiving nature. It's up to us to be forgiving, in the times that it is the most difficult for us. Just as we FORgive, it will be given unto us in that same measure. I believe that forGIVEness is along the same lines as GIVING.
Fore (adj) FIRST in place, time, order, or rank
Give (verb) to present voluntarily and without expecting compensation; bestow
By forgiving, we are doing nothing more than giving FIRST, expecting the same measure in return. So with the amount of mercy we use by forgiving others, the same amount of mercy will be given to us by our heavenly father.
Honestly, learning how to forgive will elevate you in your walk with God. There comes a point when we need to go higher. If you are harboring unforgiveness in your heart, you may be missing out on your next destination. He needs us to get this down pat before we advance to the next level, because GOD = LOVE. Remember that God has already given us (in abundance) everything we need to make it through whatever we are dealing with. Unforgiveness will not help you. Walking in love, peace, and joy WILL. What do you represent?
How to forgive:
-By FAITH. Speak life over the situation and proclaim your forgiveness (Romans 4:17)
-Pray for the person. (Matthew 5:44)
-Remember how God has forgiven you. Also, others who have forgiven you when you did not deserve it. (Mark 6:14-15)
-Do not believe the lies of the enemy. Satan's job is to always make a situation seem worse than what it is. (John 8:44)
-Realize the blessing in the lesson, and know that God will elevate you in him once you develop perseverance, wisdom, and maturity. (James 1:2-3)
-Use your story to minister to others, glorifying God for what he brought you through. (John 12:32)
-Know that God is a God of justice. Do not worry about payback. Leave that in the hands of God. (Job 19:25)(Ephesians 6:10)
Deuteronomy 32:35 (NIV) It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them also. [keeping in mind that God has a plan and purpose for the person who offended you, so his payback may not be what YOU are expecting]
Be Blessed!
