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This Sunday we had a visiting preacher, Carl Osmar. He has, among other duties, worked as a pastor in England but is now retired and lives in Phuket. His theme was total forgiveness.Paul says in Philippians 3:13 that he will forget what is behind and strain towards what is ahead. How was Paul able to do this when he had every reason feeling unworthy after having persecuted the Christian church?
The answer is total forgiveness. Paul had accepted that he is sinful (Romans 3:23) and asked for God’s forgiveness. After confessing his sins he was able to be certain of God's mercy and forgiveness (1 John 1:9). The blood of Christ cleansed his conscience (Hebrew 9:14).
Paul also forgave others who had offended him, as all Christians should do (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13, Mark 11:25). Forgiving others is the only way to experience peace of heart. Jesus taught us to pray “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12).
This brings us to forgiving oneself. This may be difficult but as you decide to ask forgivness, forgive others and forgive yourself, you will start to experience inner healing.
Sometimes forgiving other may feel unjust. Shouldn't there be some kind of punishment for those who have hurt us? Unjust or not, God tells us to forgive and forget. Tell God about your feelings and trust that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28)
Total forgiveness, accepting God’s forgiveness, forgiving others and forgiving oneself and being honest and open about one’s feelings towards God will lead to liberation and joy.