19 It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.” (John 20:19-23, CEB)
Jesus met the disciples in the upper room on that day, the first day of the week. This was Easter Evening. And he greeted them in peace and gave them the breath of life in the Spirit.
And in doing this Jesus told them that ” If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.” Jesus just gave all of the disciples the power to forgive and not forgive sins, through the giving of the Holy Spirit.
So wait, does that mean we can all forgive or not forgive sin? If the power comes through the Holy Spirit, and we believe the Holy Spirit lives in us, then we would have the power to forgive or not forgive sins.
So if you forgive sins they are forgiven. And if you do not forgive sins they are not forgiven. That is power that we need to use wisely. And help the world know they are loved.
How will you use your power?
If you love like Jesus loves, maybe the world can change…
Love People. Love God.
aSacredRebel 