tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287425314081580872.post1639037436615796548..comments2024-02-05T21:44:42.903-08:00Comments on PORRIDGE FOR THE SOUL: UNFORGIVENESS AND SALVATIONP A Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15785291441400751585noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287425314081580872.post-13633586765706221712023-07-24T06:29:13.737-07:002023-07-24T06:29:13.737-07:00The Bible places a strong emphasis on forgiveness ...The Bible places a strong emphasis on forgiveness and the importance of letting go of bitterness. As Christians, forgiveness is a key aspect of our faith, and it is closely linked to the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ. Let's explore some Bible verses that address this topic:<br /><br />Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV):<br />"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."<br />Here, Jesus teaches that forgiveness is essential for receiving forgiveness from God. Refusing to forgive others can hinder the forgiveness we receive from God and affect our relationship with Him.<br /><br />Mark 11:25 (ESV):<br />"And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."<br />Similar to the previous verse, Mark emphasizes the need for forgiveness in our prayers. Holding onto bitterness can block our prayers from being heard and answered by God.<br /><br />Colossians 3:13 (ESV):<br />"Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."<br />In this verse, Christians are called to forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven them. Our capacity to forgive is rooted in understanding the forgiveness we have received through Christ.<br /><br />Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV):<br />"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."<br />The passage encourages Christians to let go of bitterness and embrace forgiveness, reflecting the forgiveness we have received through Jesus Christ.<br /><br />Matthew 18:21-22 (ESV):<br />"Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"<br />Jesus teaches the concept of unlimited forgiveness in response to Peter's question. This emphasizes the need for a forgiving heart in the life of a Christian.<br /><br />From these passages, it is clear that forgiveness is not optional for a Christian. Holding onto bitterness and refusing to forgive others can hinder our relationship with God and impact our salvation. As followers of Christ, we are called to extend forgiveness to others, just as God has forgiven us through Jesus Christ. This does not mean it's easy, but through prayer, seeking God's help, and relying on His grace, Christians can find the strength to let go of bitterness and embrace forgiveness.<br />P A Limhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15785291441400751585noreply@blogger.com