By Evang. Joachim P. Erameh
We’re taught in Scripture to always forgive. Offenses are inevitable (Luke 17:1), but God expects us to forgive when offended. Jesus says, “If you forgive men, your heavenly Father will forgive you” (Matthew 6:14-15).
As God’s children, we must avoid offenses (Acts 24:16). If you’re the offender, apologize and live in peace with all (Hebrews 12:14). As believers, we forgive – whether our offender apologizes or not. No limit to forgiveness: “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22).
Forgiveness is genuine when from the heart. God knows if we truly forgive. Sometimes offenders don’t even know they hurt us. It’s better to address it than dwell on it. “To err is human, to forgive is divine.”
Forgiving doesn’t mean what they did was okay – it’s the right thing . We forgive like God forgave us through Jesus (Romans 5:15).
Dear reader, living in sin offends God. Repent and surrender to Jesus before it’s too late (see Acts 2:38).