What Is Love If It Is Not Forgiveness? (Proof We Belong To Jesus)

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” [John 13.34-35]

What is love if it is not forgiveness?

Jesus did many miraculous works. These works were the fruit of His relationship with God and mankind.

At one point, Jesus pointed out that His works were the result of forgiveness. Remember when He posed the question, "For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” (Matthew 9.5-6).

There is no healing without forgiveness. Sickness, disease, poverty and troubles of every kind are the result of the curse (Deuteronomy 28). So, since these are all related to the curse upon disobedience, then forgiveness is the only remedy.

This is where "faith" circles have greatly erred. We have failed to recognize and incorporate forgiveness in our walk of faith. We have failed to copy Jesus' on earth - to forgive.

And, just like Jesus drew ire from the people when He spoke the words, "I forgive you..." so we too will draw much the same ire when we, like our Lord, speak, "I forgive you" with the full intent and assurance that our doing so brings healing.

If indeed we are to do the works Jesus on earth and even greater works (John 14.12), we better get to forgiving! It is no wonder Jesus expounded upon that very topic further after teaching His disciples to pray.

If God's love is seen in His forgiveness, it is seen in our forgiveness as well. And we have Jesus command to, "Love each other."

And again, what is love if it is not forgiveness?

Father, You are working on me. I know it. I feel it. I see it happening. Forgive me for excluding forgiveness from my love for others (as if that were really even possible). I see that Jesus has every intention for the world to recognize us as His because we look and act like Him. I know that nothing will prove I am His more than forgiveness.