A Christlike Spirit of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a gift from heaven; it is not something you can create on your own. You cannot offer others what you do not

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possess. If you are a born again believer, then you have access to the Spirit of Christ at all times. You have access to forgiveness. If you are not experiencing forgiveness, then there is a sin that is blocking forgiveness from manifesting in you life. This is the only way that you would not experience forgiveness as a believer. Only your sin can block the Spirit of forgiveness. Another person cannot do anything to block forgiveness from you, rather your own unwillingness to let go and submit to the Spirit of God does. Forgiveness is the power of the Holy Spirit taking over your heart and mind. This has nothing to do with other people.

Something terrible may have happened to you, but your focus must shift from what others have done to what God desires for you. The Spirit of Christ sets you free from negative events, but sin attaches you to negative events. Forgiveness has nothing to do with other people and everything to do with your relationship with Jesus.

Joseph displayed Christ’s Spirit of forgiveness toward his brothers. When his brothers returned to Egypt after retrieving Benjamin, Joseph revealed himself to them. He asked everyone else to leave so that he was alone with his brothers.

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.
Genesis 45:3-4

A person walking in the flesh will avoid, argue, or fight with those who have wronged him. That person would not say, “Please come near.” A spirit of bitterness can develop and lead to a strong desire for justice. Joseph was able to be in his brothers presence. In fact, he desired to be in their presence. He told them not to be angry with themselves for what they had done to him nearly twenty years before. The brothers had great sorrow over their sin which seemed sincere. Their treatment of Benjamin was evidence of their repentance. Judah pleaded with Joseph to allow Benjamin to return to their father because losing Benjamin would be a great sorrow to him. A repentant heart places others’ safety above one’s own safety.

God allowed Joseph to see the circumstance through His eyes. Joseph realized the activity of God. When you can see what God has accomplished through your trials, you are able to deal with broken relationships. Joseph recognized that God brought him from slavery to prison to power. He witnessed God’s activity regardless of his family’s actions. Every barrier to reconciliation was removed when Joseph was willing to forgive his brothers.

From My Spirit is Life and Peace: Workbook by Alison Veazey and Kerry Skinner.