Holding on to sin…whether it’s been thrown at you or coming from you; sinning or sinned against, it’s all the same, it’s the same thing no matter the direction it’s flying, it’s sin. Sin is harmful and hurtful, and it has power. The only thing more powerful than sin is forgiveness. Sin leads to death and forgiveness leads to life. Sin that is being held by someone, no matter who is left holding it, the giver or taker, it is still sin held onto. I think forgiveness works the same… doesn’t matter the direction it flies… coming and going, receiving and given, it has the same power. I can’t imagine going to Jesus one day and saying, I hung onto this “one” to protect myself, or because it was too hard to give up, or it was just too big, and nobody asked for forgiveness, so I kept the sin safe with me. Jesus hung on the cross and paid for that sin that is being hung onto, I don’t think he will be impressed with any of the reasons for hanging on to it. Everyone, caught in sin, giving or taking, needs to take part in forgiving, giving and receiving. GIVE pardon beFORE there is even an apology, isn’t this what Jesus did? He forgave all past, present, and future sin in one act of love and obedience. He didn’t wait until we confessed and asked for it… He made it available whether we asked for it or not. There is healing in confession, but forgiveness doesn’t hinge on confession… healing does. James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. If we want forgiven… give it. Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
