The Impact of Forgiveness

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts. Why does this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? …But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

– Mark 2:5-7

The paralyzed man needed to be healed. Yet before addressing his physical problems, Jesus first forgave his sins. To the scribes in the room, this was blasphemy!

Jesus asked if they thought it was easier to forgive sins or heal the man. The scribes might have thought there were degrees of difficulty. But Jesus demonstrated that, with Him, there was no barrier. He had full authority (vs. 9-10). As proof, He healed the man. He could both heal and forgive.

Jesus was demonstrating the connection between the physical and emotional parts of our lives. Today, doctors can confirm this connection. Recent studies reveal that unforgiveness causes stress and leads to emotional, physical, and mental problems. But forgiveness leads to healing.

For the sake of our health and our testimony, we need to seek forgiveness in our relationship with God. We are promised that if we confess our sins, He will forgive and cleanse us (1 John 1:9). This also is an important part of our relationships with others. As Jesus taught, we are to be forgiving people. If fact, before asking God for His forgiveness we first need to forgive others (Matthew 6:12).

Remember, there is no limit to the forgiveness process. No matter what we do, God is ready to forgive us. No matter how often someone sins against us, we are to forgive them (Matthew 18:21-22).

Do you need to forgive someone else today? Thank God for forgiving your sins. Thank God that you are free! Thank God for giving you health!