In the Spanish language, there are many difficult words to pronounce, such as: sternocleidomastoid, otorhinolaryngologist, electroencephalography, parallelepiped, deoxyribonucleic, and forgiveness. If you couldn’t pronounce the previous words, it’s normal if you’re not familiar with them (including the word forgiveness). If we don’t use it frequently, it’s hard for us to pronounce it.
Each of us has a purpose to fulfill, but in any relationship (spouse, parents, siblings), you will encounter situations that try to hinder it.
In the Garden of Eden, when faced with a problem, Adam had the resources to solve it: talk to his wife, remember what God had told him, and ask God for forgiveness. Similarly, in our relationships, we have the resources to restore them when conflicts arise. In the face of division that comes from conflict, we need reconciliation through forgiveness.
Since Eden, the relationship with God the Father was lost, but it was the Father who took the initiative to restore the relationship through forgiveness by sending His Son to die to pay for sin. Our part is to recognize that we need that Savior whom He sent. Forgiveness has already been provided by our Father, but from our side, repentance is needed.
And by using this, freedom comes to us!
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:12-15 NLT
But there is also a condition: to forgive others so that our sins may be forgiven. Although it is hard to digest giving forgiveness, not granting it leads us to a prison of bitterness, resentment, thirst for revenge, etc., where we will remain until we forgive. Do you want to get out of that prison? Forgive and move on. Practice forgiveness and you will realize that it will become a word that is not difficult to pronounce.
Written by Víctor Preza, based on the sermon of 05/18/2024
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