Asking for Forgiveness

Matthew 6:14-15 - “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

This scripture tells of the power of forgiveness when we give forgiveness to others and what happens when we don't. Jesus taught this lesson during what we call the Sermon on the Mount.

As we grow older in the Lord there should be fewer and fewer reasons us needing to ask for forgiveness. There should be a point in our walk with the Lord where each time we have done something that may offended another, we are fast to ask for forgiveness for unkind words, selfish actions or anything that many have caused harm to another. Once we have asked them to forgive us it is up to them to choose to forgive. There are times when the hurt has wounded deeply, and the person is not so quick to forgive. We then pray for them to see and understand we are sincerely sorry.

The Lord knows our hearts and that is what makes all the difference. He is looking for a heart that quickly realizes the offense and asks for forgiveness. He is looking for a person who has the ability to say they know they were wrong. He looks for the heart that quickly understands and forgives. We all know many times the words are spoken, the damage is done and there is no taking back words.

James 1:19 "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;"

Ephesians 4:32 "Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ."

Colossians 3:13 "Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you."

Hebrews 8:12 "I will forgive their sins and will no longer remember their wrongs."

Forgiveness is what we are all looking for. From others. From God. From ourselves. A good definition of forgiveness is an intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude. Forgiveness is letting go of negative emotions such as revenge or wanting punishment of the offender. Forgiveness is different from condoning or excusing but it is forgetting, pardoning and seeking reconciliation.

Those seeking forgiveness often do much better than those who are not able to offer forgiveness in return. Those who seek forgiveness do so out of compassion. Those who give no forgiveness are still holding on to the heartache. Asking is one thing. Giving is another. Many times, the asker does not get what they are seeking but that should not hinder their feelings of forgiveness. The outcome is not always what we want but only God can change the heart of the other with time and prayer.

We must always remember to let God deal with the other person. Time does heal wounds, and the prayers of a believer are heard by the Lord.