Devotionals

Forgiveness Is My Ultimate Freedom

by Robert [Bob] Schaetzle Sr. 
08/13/26
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Forgiveness Is My Ultimate Freedom
By Robert Schaetzle

None of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.  If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 

Like multitudes before me, finding God’s grace, forgiveness, and freedom, takes time. We can read of God’s promises. But to truly understand and acknowledge a surrendered heart can happen only after the power of God’s presence does His work. We can memorize God’s promises, but until we hear and obey the voice of God’s Spirit in us, can we truly understand. To possess the freedom from God to us, that we can forgive others.  

Knowledge from reading until we know from memory is only the beginning. There are many examples and passages talking about forgiveness, but something that really stands out: “And blessed is he who takes no offense at me.” Mathew 11:6

I must accept I am God’s personal property, even as those who went before me and those who are His forgiven children today.

Joseph was sold by his brothers to an Ishmaelite caravan headed for Egypt at age 17. But for 13 more years he was being tested. (cf: Genesis 37) Joseph understood he belonged to the Lord. Still, his willingness to persevere through  imprisonment from false accusations, he proved himself worthy for future leadership responsibilities.  Learning to live life not for himself, but willing to deal from sins of others against him, is a true ‘type’ of Christ grace given us through Jesus. Evil did not prevail, because God meant it for Joseph’s mercy toward his brothers.

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Truly we must die to our self-will to be set free to forgive others. We are indeed, all the Lord’s personal property.

Father, thank you for setting me free to forgive others.