KEY SCRIPTURE: Matthew 18:21 KJV” Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven”.

The ability to be patient with the inconsistencies and shortcomings of others is to be able to forgive their flaws. Forgiveness is the doorway to throw away garbage and dirt that people deposit in our lives. To be hurt by the OFFENCE of another is like placing fire in your bosom. The only way to free yourself of the pain and injury of that hurt is to throw that fire away. This is what forgiveness is all about.

Hebrews 12:15 KJV” Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;”. To refuse to forgive will hurt you, breed bitterness and trouble you as well.

From Hebrews 12:15, besides. unforgiveness troubling you, it causes you to fall from the grace of God. The implications of falling from the grace of God is too costly. It means you have forfeited your salvation because of an OFFENCE. The Lord answered Peter in our key scripture that he must forgive his brother who offends him, seventy by seven times in a day. This is about 490 times. What is the master saying over here? He is saying have longsuffering for your neighbour. Is this possible? If the Lord asked us to do so, then it is very possible.

The real benefactor of forgiveness, is the one who has been offended. When you demonstrate love 

bearing with the shortcomings of others, you save yourself from so much emotional pain.

The major cause of unforgiveness is pride. Love is the answer for pride; 1Co 13:5 KJV” (love) Doth not behave {unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Show forth this love nature by walking in the Spirit. The way of the spirit is to do what the word says. Remember that when you accept to do what God’s word says, you receive the ability to do it.

CONFESSSION

I forgive all as often as they may offend me. I have  great patience towards all men, at all times. The Holy Spirit has shared the love of God in my heart.

FURTHER STUDIES

Eph 4:32 KJV” And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you”.

Colossians 1:11 KJV” Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”