Forgiveness Unlimited

Introduction

Those who will find themselves in hell will be there simply because they have refused to receive the free gift of forgiveness from God and to render forgiveness to others.

I started on journey to discover this truth in the year 2000 after a preacher from Rwanda visited our church and told us how he went to heaven and during his time there he was also shown what is going on in hell. The worst part of his story was that he saw a born again Christian sister whom he knew very well going to hell. On inquiring from the Lord he was told that this sister fell sick and was admitted to hospital for many days. Unfortunately, her pastors, church elders and other believers she expected to visit her in hospital failed to show up for whatever reason.

Remembering all she had done for them, her commitment to church and how she visited the sick and even cleaned those who were totally unable to help themselves, she vowed that she would never forgive them. She died with unforgiveness and therefore booked her eternal destiny in hell. The case of our sister in this story is not an isolated one. Unforgiveness remains one of our greatest challenges in modern times. This is clearly depicted on counseling lines in church. Many of those who come for this noble service are basically dealing with one or other issue caused by unforgiveness.

Through this book you will be able to understand:

1. How you can receive forgiveness unlimited from God for all your sins and book a place for yourself in God’s eternal kingdom.

2. Why God wants you to forgive those who have hurt and offended you in the past. It will also transform your mindset on how to deal with people in the future.

3. How you can effectively offer help and support those who are carrying baggages of unforgiveness, hatred and bitterness to lay them down and pick up the yoke of Christ.

I have included Bible verses to ensure that my message remains within the boundaries of God’s word. My prayer is that this book will be a blessing to both Christians and non-Christians as the principles drawn from God’s word apply and work for the entire human race. Counselors, especially those who deal with matters of relationships will do well to embrace and apply these principles in their daily activities.

CHAPTER 1

It's a Man's Malady

To get us started on this topic, we will look briefly at some definitions of forgiveness. This foundation will help us throughout the book as we discuss matters forgiveness.

Forgiveness is the intentional and voluntary process by which an offended person undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offense, lets go of negative emotions such as vengefulness, with an increased ability to wish the offender well.

Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness.

Forgiveness enables you to stop blaming or being angry with someone for something that person has done, or not punish them for something

Unforgiveness is a huge burden to carry as we will realize later on. The Lord Jesus offers us a clear way for disposing our unnecessary burdens.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light, Matt 11:28-30.

The whole human race has fallen and is in need of forgiveness. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve sinned against God and thereby introduced the rot in the very essence of our nature. This means that every human being irrespective of their upbringing, religion, race, color or status in society, is a sinner in need of forgiveness. Apparently no one is exempted because none is perfect.

Adamic sin affected our whole outlook to life in matters spiritual and natural. Our view of God and fellow man has been grossly deprived. Love for God and our neighbors are the two hinges upon which Christianity rests. It is impossible for anyone who does not love God and his neighbor to be a Christian. Our ability to do this would beget perfect harmony, joy and peace. However, being descendants of Adam, we experience many limitations and end up offending and hurting one another repeatedly. The only rational way out is giving and receiving forgiveness. We are constant offenders to God and man