Reflecting on John 20:19-23“If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:23)
Jesus is alive, and yet He will not continue His work in the same way.
From now on Jesus will continue His work through His followers (Acts 1:1-8).
They (we) are equipped by the Spirit to continue God’s kingdom mission.
At the heart of this mission is representing and spreading God’s forgiveness.
The root meaning for the word “forgive” is to release (literally ‘send away’).
Sinners are released from the guilt and grip of sin because that sin is sent away.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12)
As Jesus followers, we are Spirit-equipped ambassadors of God’s forgiveness.
We do not accomplish this forgiveness, but we do announce it… or not.
Jesus reminds His disciples of this huge responsibility; this message depends on us.
The fact is, God HAS forgiven all humanity, as demonstrated by Jesus on the cross.
But if we do not share this message, people will not know or experience God’s grace.
Our silence or refusal to be gracious has a HUGE impact on others, and it is not good.
On the flip side, when we do share and show God’s forgiveness, people can experience freedom.
I do not want to withhold God’s mercy; I know I need it, and so does everyone else!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, may the people I meet today sense that You love them, forgive them and want to release them from the burden and bondage of sin.