Introduction: A baby has to fall about 1500 times before it begins to toddle. If it is scolded for not being able to walk quickly, it will be discouraged and may never try to walk. Parents and brothers should encourage a baby with applause. According to psychologists, people make about 21 mistakes in order to get used to a certain pattern of behavior. If we fear mistakes or failure, we can never hope to succeed. Nature forgives a mountain the terrible loss caused by forest fires and permits trees and grass to grow again. Likewise, people must forgive and reconcile with others for a new start.
1. Who should forgive whom? 1) We must be forgiven by God and be reconciled with Him. ⓛ Since Adam, human beings lived as an enemy of God. There is no true peace, joy, or happiness for those who rebel against God (Isa 48:22). ② The coming of Jesus and the sacrifice on the Cross (Isa 53:5). Forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus (2Cor 5:21, 18-19).
2. We must forgive ourselves and be reconciled. 1) When you hate yourself and are displeased with yourself, you must forgive yourself, because God forgave you (Ne 9:17; Heb 8:12). 2) Reconcile with yourself, stop condemning yourself, and have courage (Isa 1:18; 1Jn 1:9).
3. We must forgive our neighbors and be reconciled. 1) Among all of the people who have been born in this world, there is no perfect person except Jesus Christ. You should press out the pus from a festered wound. 2) The way we look at things is very different from the way God looks at them (Pr 16:2). Do not consider yourself to be the judge of your life. People only see the speck in their neighbor´s eye, but fail to see the plank in their own eye (Mt 7:4-5; 6:14-15).
4. How often should we forgive? 1) How many times have you asked God for forgiveness since you have accepted Jesus Christ? 2) Adam lived in a pollution-free environment, but we are living in pollution (1Jn 2:16). Even though we take a shower, we always have to wash our feet. 3) Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive (Mt 18:21-22).
5. Great forgiveness and reconciliation. 1) Joseph and his brothers (Ge 50:17-21). 2) The fruit of forgiveness and reconciliation (Ge 50:17-21). ⓛ It heals our heart and gives peace. Hatred creates poison from grudges and destroys our personality and health (Pr 10:12; 17:1). ② It heals and improves our relationships with others (Col 3:13-14; Eph 4:32).
Conclusion : People are born in a world filled with the pollution of sin. Just as we wash off our dust and dirt every day, our inner being must be forgiven by God. We must also forgive and reconcile with ourselves and our neighbors to live in peace. We should get rid of the misconception that we are perfect, and stop judging the world and our neighbors.
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