FORGIVENESS MEANS different things to different people. But for the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, forgiveness means pardoning someone for a wrong or offence, letting go of resentment, and choosing not to hold the offence against the person. The power to forgive comes not from our own strength, but from the Holy Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit that the grace of God penetrates our hearts and minds. Forgiveness is essential for restoring broken relationships and for finding inner peace. It is not about forgetting the hurt or excusing the wrong, but about choosing mercy and compassion over bitterness and revenge in Christ’s name.
As I observe the Christian community in Northeast India, I believe that forgiveness is something we must sincerely ask the Holy Spirit to instil deeply within our hearts and minds. Practising forgiveness in our daily lives is not easy. Yet, as Christians, we are called to reflect Jesus Christ in everything we do.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Sadly, we often fail to shine for Christ in our workplaces, in schools and colleges, among our neighbours, and within our society. But let us not forget: we are God’s ambassadors.
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”(1 Corinthians 10:31).
When we truly recognise ourselves as Christ’s ambassadors, we will cultivate a humble and repentant heart. We will be more willing to forgive one another, embracing each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.
The greed and selfishness of human nature have made our hearts narrow. We often think only of ourselves, our families, and our tribes. But Christ calls us to something far greater.
If we are truly His followers, we must not hold grudges, not against another person, nor against another tribe.
We must represent Christ faithfully in our families, our communities, and beyond. Tragically, many of us have forgotten the true Lord Jesus Christ. We worship Him in name only, not in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
Because our hearts are rooted in pride and selfishness, we harbour bitterness and unforgiveness. We must always remind ourselves that a divided heart cannot reflect Christ.
We are called to be His ambassadors. That means putting aside selfishness and living in love, concern, and service to our fellow brothers and sisters, without expecting anything in return.
As the saying goes, expectation ruins relationships. Instead, we are reminded in Scripture: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”(Ephesians 4:32).
We must learn to forgive, not by our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Ask yourself: Are you truly born again? If you have truly accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, forgiveness will not be a burden. It will flow naturally from a heart transformed by grace and mercy. But if your faith is only outward, if you are a Christian in name only, the enemy will use that weakness to torment you and those around you.
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Without a true conversion of the heart, forgiving others will seem impossible.
Bitterness will grow, damaging both your physical and spiritual life. However, if you are truly born again in Christ, you will have a compassionate heart.
Forgiving others will come with peace, and your walk with Jesus will be full of joy and purpose. You will shine as His ambassador in this world, fulfilling the very purpose for which God created you in His image.
Dear brothers and sisters, “Bear with one another and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13). “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15). Amen!
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will give us a forgiving heart as we deal with one another in this world. May we live each day reflecting Christ, full of love, mercy, and compassion. As we start cultivating a heart of forgiveness, peace will bloom in our lives, family and society.
(The author can be reached at letlal.haokip@gmail.com)
(The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ukhrul Times. Ukhrul Times values and encourages diverse perspectives.)
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