Forgiveness

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)

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~