Psalm 130.3-4 (Forgiveness)

LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you. [Psalm 130.3-4]

God's forgiveness is all we have. Without it, there is absolutely no hope.

God's forgiveness is arguably the most important thing in our lives. Nothing else matters as much for us than to be forgiven by God.

If we are not forgiven, there is no salvation for us.

If we are not forgiven, there is no Holy Spirit for us.

If we are not forgiven, there is no provision for us.

If we are not forgiven, there is no healing for us.

Forgiveness from God is the greatest gift we have. Forgiveness from God is personified in Christ Jesus.

We are to forgive as we have been forgiven. And, because Jesus is God's forgiveness personified, and we are to be Jesus to the world, then, therefore, we are to be forgiveness to the world!

What was Jesus' greatest work? They were all great, but one work Jesus did summarized all else. When Jesus died on the Cross - when He said, "Father forgive them..." He performed His greatest work - His ultimate sacrifice - His profound example of love.

So, what is our greatest work? Forgiveness.

You understand that the scripture referenced above was written before Jesus' Advent, right? Jesus said He only did the things He saw His Father do. Jesus also said His followers would do the things they had seen Him (Jesus) do. When we see that all that Jesus did - every great miracle and every profound teaching - we see that all these works summed up His offering up His life on the Cross. Then we begin to see that forgiveness is key to everything in God's Kingdom. God forgives. Jesus forgives. And, it is our place and duty to forgive.

Forgiveness is the Kingdom's way.

Father, forgive me. Father, I want forgive as I have been forgiven!