Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
The Way of Holiness is a toll road —it comes at a cost, but the price is worth it! The word holiness in Hebrew is “qādôsh” which means to be separated, consecrated, or dedicated to God. The noble royal attire of the Highway of Holiness is “forgiveness”.
There is no room for unforgiveness, grudge, anger, animosity or bitterness on the Highway of Holiness. Forgiveness is not an option but the way of life. Choosing to forgive does not mean that the offender was right. It does not condone injustice nor does it compromise on godly values. It does not mean to tolerate anger-tantrums or bad behaviour. Forgiveness does not justify the wrongdoing. Forgiveness sets us free. Forgiveness gives us momentum and acceleration on the Highway of Holiness.
Unforgiveness shuts the door of favour on us. Unresolved anger turns into bitterness and embitters the heart. Our prayers will not be heard if we hoard unforgiveness in our heart. If you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:14-16).
On the ‘Highroad of Holiness’, we choose to forgive just as Jesus did on the cross. He did not forgive the abusers because they repented – He forgave them because He esteemed righteousness more than revenge. Unforgiveness will reroute us to a gravel road. It will slow our spiritual progress and expose us to demonic attacks. On the road of forgiveness – “the unclean will not journey on it;
wicked fools will not go about on it (Isaiah 35:8b). On the contrary, unclean spirits, unclean thoughts and unwholesome words will collide with us on the gravel road of unforgiveness.
Choose to forgive everyone – even the ones who do not repent. Confront the error but choose not to remember, recollect or ruminate over the wrongdoings of others.
The Highway of Holiness:
- Unforgiveness: Unforgiveness closes the Highroad of Holiness.
- Unresolved: Unresolved frustration and anger turn into bitterness and self-righteousness.
- Unheeded: Prayers from an unforgiving heart will remain unheeded.
Forgiveness is the noble dress code on the Highway of Holiness.
Prayer: Compassionate Jesus, tenderize my heart to forgive and let-go of offences. Amen.
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