Today I would like to talk about something that everyone has
been faced with in their lives… the matter of forgiveness.
First of all, let’s talk about what forgiveness really is.
What is forgiveness? Many would say that forgiveness is simply
excusing a mistake.
Understand, when I use the word mistake, I am using it
loosely. Most of the time when people say they made a mistake, what they are
really saying is, “…this wouldn’t be a
problem if you hadn’t noticed, but since you did I need to look like I’m sorry…”
In other words, it is a word they throw out in an attempt to minimize their
guilt.
Fact 1: If it was done on purpose, it is NOT a mistake.
Fact 2: Whether it was on purpose or not has NO impact on your
need to forgive.
Most people have an understandable need for the other person
to be truly repentant before offering forgiveness, but instead of what we
think, let’s look at Scripture. “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against
me, and I forgive him?” (Matthew 18:21)
Nowhere in this passage does Jesus tell the Disciples to judge
whether or not the offender was “really sorry.” Nowhere does He tell them, “If
he is not really, really sorry, then hold a grudge.”
Many times when we are faced with the command to forgive, we
attempt to negotiate based on the other person’s actions or attitude; “They
aren’t sorry, they are just sorry they got caught.” Is a common judgment we
levy against people who have offended us.
When it comes to forgiveness, God has an expectation of
behavior for us that He expects us to meet. He does not give us an option when
it comes to forgiving someone who has offended or otherwise wronged us. While
there is no “Thou shalt forgive…” in Scripture, (which is what most of us look
for) the commandments regarding this topic are clear and unarguable.
First of all, we are told to “…love the brethren…” (I John 3:14) “…love thy neighbour as thyself…” (Leviticus 19:18) It is hard to
love people and not forgive them; but He continues… We are not given the luxury
of holding a grudge, (James 5:9) being bitter, (Ephesians 4:31) being angry
without cause, (Matthew 5:22) or overnight (Ephesians 4:26) the list could go
on and on. The fact is, we cannot argue about it.
We get ourselves in trouble, because not only are we clearly told to forgive; but there are stipulations if we refuse. Scripture even teaches us that God won’t listen to our Prayers if we refuse to forgive, (Mark 11:25) but also God will not accept an offering from us if we are refusing to forgive a brother. (Matthew 5:23)
We get ourselves in trouble, because not only are we clearly told to forgive; but there are stipulations if we refuse. Scripture even teaches us that God won’t listen to our Prayers if we refuse to forgive, (Mark 11:25) but also God will not accept an offering from us if we are refusing to forgive a brother. (Matthew 5:23)
Simply put, God has ordered us to forgive, because He has ordained
us “…to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29) Meaning
that we should strive to be like Jesus.
So, what is forgiveness? Forgiveness
is us trying to be more like Christ.
As a Christian we should try to be like Christ, using Him as
an example. The question is, what was His example?
He was mocked, beaten, stripped, scourged and crucified, and
after all of that, while hanging from the cross, said, “Father, forgive
them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) Jesus was being
forgiving even though THEY NEVER ASKED FOR FORGIVENESS. Their asking was NOT a
prerequisite for His forgiveness.
I pray this was a blessing to you in some way!
~Elizabeth~
