FORGIVENESS – (as defined in the Webster’s 1928 Dictionary) – noun
1. The act of forgiving; the pardon of an offender, by which he is considered and treated as not guilty.
The forgiveness of enemies is a christian duty.
2. The pardon or remission of an offense or crime; as the forgiveness of sin or of injuries.
3. Disposition to pardon; willingness to forgive.
And mild forgiveness intercede to stop the coming blow.
4. Remission of a debt, fine or penalty.
What a model we have in Christ for this! We all harbor unforgiveness at times and as parents it can be hard to practice what we preach on this subject so perhaps while we’re praying these scriptures for our teens, we also say a quick repentant prayer for ourselves.
After all, as we will learn here, unforgiveness blocks our prayer life.
God’s laws are upside-down from our flesh and from this world. Praying for our enemies does not come natural, yet it is commanded of us regardless if we feel like forgiving.
Perhaps this command to forgive is actually the protection of the Lord. Science shows that when we are unforgiving, our physical health is directly affected. When Jesus tells us to “forgive seventy times seven,” perhaps he’s telling us to not let one little iota of unforgiveness grow because He cares for our health.
Perhaps this command to forgive is His divine guidance to keep our cortisol levels, sleep functions, immune system, brain, and cardiovascular system in good health.
God has so many great things planned for us but unforgiveness can block these blessings. Hanging on to the hurt brings death and it doesn’t reflect the character of Jesus at all. Let’s pray our teen lets God be the ultimate judge and that this choice to forgive reflects the light of Christ for others to see.
Lord, make us FORGIVING people that our prayers for our children to also be FORGIVING people are clearly heard and answered by You, leaving no door or window cracked for the enemy to weasel his way through.
Isaiah 55:7
Micah 7:18-20
Zephaniah 3:15
Luke 23:34
Ephesians 1:7
1 John 1:9
Matthew 5:22
Matthew 6:14-15
Matthew 18:21-22
Mark 12:31
Ephesians 4:31-32
Luke 17:3-4
Matthew 5:7
Matthew 5:22
Matthew 6:12
Matthew 6:14
Matthew 18:21-22
Mark 11:25
Luke 6:37
2 Corinthians 2:10
Colossians 3:13
1 John 1:9
1 Peter 4:8
1 John 2:10
Psalm 32:5
Proverbs 19:11
Ephesians 4:31-32
Philippians 3:13-14
Proverbs 19:11
Proverbs 20:22
John 8:7
Romans 12:19-20
1 Thessalonians 5:15
Let’s look at different topics from the Thompson Chain Reference Bible and perspectives from which to view FORGIVENESS. (For more help with using a “Tommy Bible”, here’s a video on how I use it for making prayer Bibles.)
FORGIVENESS – 1314 – a pardon; divine promised
See also: Pardon Promised 3125, Restoration 3025, Repentance 2706, Promises to Penitent 2884
FORGIVENESS – 1315 – human commanded
See also: Mercy 2298, Enemies 3395, Retaliation Forbidden 2279, Good for Evil 1437
FORGIVENESS – 1316 – examples of human forgiveness & examples of divine forgiveness
See also: Good for Evil 1437, Sin Forgiven 3345, God’s Mercy 2300, Pardon Promised 3125
PROMISES TO THE MERCIFUL & BENEVOLENT – 4086
MERCY – 2298 – commanded
See also: Judgement Forbidden 660; Uncharitableness 661; Brotherly Love 2201; Forbearance 2275; Retaliation Forbidden 2279
GOOD FOR EVIL – 1436 – response of kindness when mistreated
See also: Forgiveness 1316, Meekness 2270
GOOD FOR EVIL – 1437 – prescribed
See also: Forbearance 2275, Enemies 3395, Meekness 2270, Retaliation Forbidden 2279
SOCIAL DUTIES – 3395 – to enemies
See also: Good for Evil 1437, Retaliation Forbidden 2279
CHARITABLENESS – 660 – judgement forbidden
The Bible also references FORGIVENESS by speaking about it’s opposites: UNMERCIFULNESS, HATRED, or RETALIATION. There is much to be gleaned from reading about the results of choosing to not forgive.
UNMERCIFULNESS – 2303 – having no compassion, pitiless
RETALIATION – 2279 – forbidden
See also: Hatred 2210, Mercy 2298, Enemies 3395, Good for Evil 1437, Meekness 2270
HATRED – 2210 – condemned
See also: Envy 1137, Malice 2003
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