Forgiveness:

     True forgiveness is a fruit of grace.

 

     The Believer who has learned to be a minister of grace does not have issues with forgiveness. 

 

     Forgiveness releases the offender from paying for the offense.  It works two ways:  it can release the one who is being forgiven, and it releases the injured party from harboring resentment and the need to even the score.



     Forgiveness does not necessarily mean embracing a villain, particularly when there is no repentance or recognition of the offense, or when it is likely that damage will result from an untimely offer of reconciliation.  It means that there is no score keeping and no mark on the soul from holding on to unforgiveness.  On the other hand, there is a forgiveness that is part of the flow of grace, much like the story of the Prodigal Son.



     I have been forgiven much.  This quality of forgiveness is not permissive or passive.  It is supernatural and comes from the very heart of God.  It is cleansing and healing.  It always issues out of love.



     Soldier of The Cross, those who follow hard after the Lord are ministers of Grace.  They receive forgiveness from Him always and they forgive easily because they have no room for resentment or bitterness.  They are looking at Him.  Following Him.  Listening to Him.  Laying down their lives for the Brethren and spreading the Gospel.



     This is not about being gullible or squishy. 
     This is about being like Him.