By Jannie Linney
First we need to think about the word itself, trespass: “To go beyond what is lawful, just, or right; to commit an offense; to sin also to intrude on another person’s rights, privileges; to enter unlawfully on the land of another person.” [Webster’s Dictionary]. Wow! That’s like reading today’s newspaper or newscast.
I think, to some up all those definitions in one word, we could use the word “Sin.” In the prayer the Lord taught His Disciples we see; For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Father will also forgive you: [Matt. 6:14]. The Father requires us to forgive, as a seed planted toward our own crop of forgiveness in our own life. Look at Verse twelve, As they prayed, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” As we forgive, It’s our move that releases the action toward us, toward our forgiveness. “But — if you do not forgive men their trespasses, [sins, debts] neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses” [sins, debts].
“And whenever you stand praying, If you have anything against anyone, forgive him that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses” [sins, debts]. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses” [sins, debts]. [Mark 11:25-26].
Everything Jesus teaches us is for our good for more reasons than we know. One thing resentment, grudges, aggravations, pet peeves and the like, causes sickness in our bodies. I don’t have time to get into that today, that is a whole different teaching.
Beloved, “do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath: [let your wrath go]. For it is written Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord” [Rom. 12:19]. Now, see why — “therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirst give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head” [v.20]. Now that fire is not the kind of fire that we think about. That is heavenly fire and it does only good. And because it was heaped on the head and fire purifies — it must be to cleans and purify that persons thought pattern. It must be to get their thinking straightened out. “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good” [v.21]. When I was growing up and something would disturb me or I would get my feelings hurt, my mother would say, “Well, kill them with good and kindness.”
I did not know she was quoting scripture!
Has someone trespassed your right, has someone hurt you in a bad way maybe as a child, and you have carried it all these years maybe someone upset you last week or yesterday and you’ve been burdened down and heavy laden. Have you let it eat on you like a cancer? Jesus said” Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls for My yoke is easy and my burdens are light. [Matt. 11:28-30]. Jesus wants to trade with you, He wants to take all that pain, hurt and let you have an easier place in life. That you could take on His gentle and lowly heart and find the rest He has for you. He wants you to forgive from your heart, and let Him deal with the ones who have hurt and harmed you.
This is your choice. Jesus can take it and give you peace that passes all understanding, but you have to give it up — you be the bigger person who makes the right decision, you forgive, turn loose, and let God. Then when you need forgiveness, God can Forgive your “Trespasses.”
