Recently, I was talking with a man about forgiveness. He said that he had forgiven everyone in his life except one person. When I asked him who it was, he related a story about a family incident involving his brother that had taken place years ago.
When I asked why he couldn’t forgive his brother, I got a strange answer. He said it was impossible for him to forgive his brother because his brother wouldn’t forgive him.
Jesus said in Mark 11 that we were to forgive those who have wronged us. He didn’t say that we were to forgive them if they forgive us. He said we were to forgive – if they love us or if they hate us, if they forgive us or don’t forgive us. Even if they are holding a grudge and are doing everything in their power to destroy us, it doesn’t matter. Whether or not they forgive us is irrelevant. Our responsibility is to forgive, unconditionally.
One woman told me she couldn’t forgive a certain person because she had forgiven that person several times for the same offense. And even after all that forgiveness the other person continued to be offensive. She asked me how many times she should forgive this person. I told her “One more time.” Any time you wonder how many times to forgive someone, that is the answer. Forgive them “one more time.”
In Matthew 18:21 Peter went to Jesus and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered and said, “I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” In today’s words, that would be like saying “up to a million times.” Forgiveness has no limits. Forgiveness has no end.
The reason for forgiveness is not for the one being forgiven, but for the one who forgives. The one who forgives reaps all the benefits. What are the benefits of forgiveness? There are many, but one that we all need is peace. Forgiveness will give you peace.
Over the years I have met many people who will not forgive. They all have one thing in common. They are never at peace. When we are obedient to the Word of God, we will be at peace. The peace of God is beyond anything the world can give. Philippians 4:7 says, “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
If we are not obedient to the Word of God and refuse to forgive, the only peace we will have is what we can glean from the world, and that’s a poor substitute for the real thing.
Forgiveness will allow you to forget the pain of the past. In Jeremiah 31:34, the Bible says that God not only has the ability to forgive but also has the ability to forget. We, however; cannot forget the past, but through forgiveness we will forget the pain of the past. That’s true peace – when you can remember, but there is no hurt or resentment. Try as you might, without forgiveness, it can’t be done.
Daniel 9:9 says mercy and forgiveness belong to the Lord. God is a God of mercy and forgiveness. As Christians we are to mirror the character of God. We are to show mercy and we are to forgive.
So, when you become offended because someone has wronged you and wonder if you should forgive again, do this. Forgive, one more time.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.