From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

Read Matthew 18:21 – 35. In this account, God is setting a standard for us...He is not telling us that we will not be forgiven, He is telling us we have to meet His standard within which we receive His ever-glorious forgiveness. Repentance, confession and returning the favor to others is all wrapped up in the package.

In understanding forgiveness, we need to look at the original meaning of the Greek word, aphiemi. It means suspension of a just penalty; send away; completely cancel the debt; to release; unconditional favor. Whoa…I like that!

For God, His love makes that forgiveness flow smoothly toward us; but that is nearly impossible for us to do because we are so often ruled by the Adam nature and not the God nature. Are you willing to forgive someone to that extent? No way, you say. But don't forget all things are possible in Christ Jesus. So get busy crucifying the flesh that cannot forgive and get busy submitting to the Spirit of God which can forgive. In forgiveness is freedom! Endure the fire...it's producing pure gold!

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