Lesson 137: When He Came to His Senses

Kentucky Chaplain David Chaltas

WHAT IS FORGIVENESS? Can it be fully explained or understood? Can it be felt or touched? From which direction does it come? The dictionary tells us that Forgiveness is the mental, emotional and/or spiritual process of ceasing to feel resentment, indignation or anger against another person for a perceived offense, difference or mistake, or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution.

There are several acts of of forgiveness that occurred during the War Between the States that include General Jackson visiting General Gregg on his death bed and asking him to dismiss any of their previous anamosities from his mind. General Jackson sending word not to hold it against the men that had accidentally shot him. General Armisted offering his respects to General Hancock and giving personal belongings to Hancock’s wife as Armisted lay dying.

Others have shown forgiveness. Gundi prayed for the man that mortally wounded him and said that he forgave him. Pope Paul IV went to visit the man that shot him and stated that he forgave his act of violence. Christ stated in Luke 23:34 "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." The Bible offers many examples for us to reflect upon in the following verses: Matthew 26:28 states that, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Mark 1:4 said, “And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Luke 3:3 noted that, “He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Again in Luke you gather even more insight into this phenomenon that occurs within our being: “And repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all Nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

The book of Acts offers the reader more food for thought, as we explore this wonder of wonders. In Acts 2:38-Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 5:31God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. Chapter 10 verse 43 of Acts states that, “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” And finally, Acts 13:38 stated, "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.

Our Lord and Savior provided us with a prayer that will bring intercession of forgiveness and peace. These words of life remove the death sentence of resentment, jealousy and hate. "Forgive us our [debts], as we forgive our [debtors]" So in order to really reach our potential and serve our gracious God, we must not hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." (Mark 11:25) We must, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32).

But you ask, how long must I forgive. Forgiveness is a continual fountain that flows from the River of Life. It is perpetual and as stated in Matthew 18:21-35: “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22: Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. 23: Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24: And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25: But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26: The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27: Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28: But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29: And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30: And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31: So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32: Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desireds me: 33: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee? 34: And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35: So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”

Forgiveness is hard but your soul will become hardened by not practicing the principles of faith, forgiveness and true repentance. The wondrous story of the Prodigal Son, as told in Luke 15:11-24, gives us yet another glimpse into the act of forgiveness. And when the young man came to his senses, he went home to find not only peace, love and the comfort of a father’s love, but he also found forgiveness. His father’s love afforded him an opportunity to purge his sins. Is that not likened unto a parent’s love? Is that not like the love that God has for us? Forgiveness is a love that passeth all understanding. Yes it can be felt. Yes, it can be held. There is an underlying truth. God in His amazing love for us is willing, perfectly willing, to receive the repentant backslider back into the fold. God’s compassion for His creations, God’s perfect gift, in the form of Jesus Christ, allows us to return home, once we come to our senses.

Have you found yourself unforgiving a perceived wrong? Have you not forgiven your brother or sister? The answer in truth is yes. ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God. But God is the way, the truth and the life. God can and will change your life for the better, through Christ whenever you come to your senses.

Have you forgiven others but not yourself. Forgiveness of self must come prior to your ability to truly forgive others. I want you to do something for yourself. I want you to take the paper and without anyone else looking at it, use your finger and write the first letter of the most terrible thing you feel that you ever did. No one else will see, only you and your Creator. As you pray for forgiveness, walk by the fire and let the flames take it to your heavenly Father, believing in His power to wash away your sins; releasing it to Him. Once you come to your senses, the flames of love will carry your burden home through the forgiving heart of Christ.

I remain your unworthy forgiven Chaplain that has come to his senses, The Old General

Verses to Ponder

Matthew 26:28 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

Mark 1:4 ”And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

Luke 1:77-”To give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.”

Luke 3:3-”He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

Luke 24:47-”And repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

Acts 2:38-Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 5:31-”God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.”

Acts 10:43-”All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

Acts 13:38-"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

The Lord's Prayer- "Forgive us our [debts], as we forgive our [debtors]"

Mark 11:25-"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Ephesian 4:32-"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."