9/18/10
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Jn 20:23. “Whosesoever sins you forgive, shall be forgiven; but whosesoever sins you retain, shall be retained.”
We as humans are naturally judgmental. It seems to be part of our preservation mechanism. But being less than perfect, we are often less than fair in some of our decisions. For example, we judge ourselves softly, but judge others harshly. When weighing a penalty for ourselves or loved ones, we rationalize giving no more than a slap on the wrist; but when considering a punishment for someone we don’t like, we go beyond what fits the crime.
As we submit ourselves to Jesus and become filled with the Holy Spirit, our attitude becomes more forgiving of others and more closely matches Jesus’ attitude toward sinners. We come to recognize that we shouldn’t criticize others for having the same weaknesses we’ve suffered.
When you’re praying with someone it is often the case that you learn of their sins and mistakes; either by them telling you or through the HS letting you know. You will also frequently see that there is a link between their actions and the problem which they are experiencing. As you learn of their sins and guilt, and see the connections, you will likely experience one of several feelings.
1) You may feel a strong desire to forgive that person and lift their guilt from them. If you have this reaction, please feel free to declare your willingness to forgive. You may think you’re not able to speak for God; but you can at least speak for yourself. Declare your willingness to forgive. Then consider: do you think it’s possible that you could be even more willing to forgive than God? Of course the answer is ‘No’. So, if you can find it in you to forgive, God is much more willing to forgive. You also have His promise that He is willing to forgive anyone who confesses their sins (1Jn 1:9).
2) Alternatively, you may find yourself repulsed by the sins you hear. But as you look at the individual and hear their story, you come to realize that they have done these things because they are under the influence of Satan. So you then forgive the person and free them from their bondage, then place the guilt for their actions on the Enemy. Once again, you recognize that if you can “love the sinner while hating the sin”, and are willing to forgive them and free them, then God is much more willing to do the same thing. So if you can find a way give forgiveness on your own behalf, don’t worry whether or not God will be able to do the same.
3) Conversely, there may be someone who presents himself before you to receive some blessing, but as you hear of what he’s done there arises within you a feeling, not of forgiveness but of condemnation. You recognize that their actions aren’t the result of being enslaved to Satan but are instead the result of fully informed choices. Then despite being startled at yourself for your seeming judgmentalism and struggling to find a way out of this conundrum, the feelings of disgust persist and even grow stronger. At this point you have only a couple of options. You might excuse yourself and leave, saying, “I can’t help you; you’ll have to find someone else.” Or you might speak to him against the things he’s doing and warn him that if he doesn’t change quickly he’ll soon be called into judgment. This feeling you’re being given represents a warning to him. Don’t be surprised if he doesn’t comply, however; because by the time such a warning is given, a person usually has long since stopped listening to their conscience and the Holy Spirit and he will not accept your reproof. Even if you attempt to heal him or bless him, it is unlikely to have an effect. This feeling you’re getting is God letting you know that you may try, if you wish; but don’t get your hopes up. There are some people who can’t be helped: Not because of God’s unwillingness; but because of the person’s unwillingness to recognize that he’s doing anything wrong and his resistance to change. If you are the type of person who doesn’t like to take “No” for an answer, then you may continue to work with this person until you achieve a breakthrough. If you’re willing to stick with it, despite the person’s lack of cooperation, you may eventually find success; because if you persist, the Holy Spirit may finally break through their defences. But know that it will be a difficult job with only a small chance.
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