Forgiveness

Is there someone in your life you need to forgive?  Someone who hurt you deeply? Abused you? Gossiped about you?  Tried to destroy your reputation?  Tried to make your life a living hell?  Disappointed you?

If there is such a person, have you forgiven them?  You might think I could never do that.  They hurt me so much it has left deep scars.  I’m not ready for that – to forgive them.

If that is what you are thinking, may I remind you of a couple of things.  First, forgiveness is not an option. It is a requirement for the Christ follower.  In what is commonly called The Lord’s Prayer (not a magic prayer to recite but a pattern to follow) it says, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us (Matthew 6:12).  But if you read verses 14-15, it says, “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you don’t forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” OUCH!

Forgiveness always starts with a look in the mirror (Read Matthew 18:21-35).  God tells us forgiving others is a very big deal.

What does it mean to forgive?  Eternally it means we have a clean slate?  But in the earthly realm it is a little different.  Forgiveness is not pretending that nothing happened.  You can’t forget it.  What it does mean is you don’t hold it against the person.

When we sin against God the Bible says, “He remembers them no more.” (Hebrews 8:12).  That doesn't mean God has Alzheimer’s.  It means He doesn't respond to you in light of it.  He remembers what you did – He simply doesn't hold it against you.  And He wants us to do the same with those who have wronged us.

You don’t act as if it never happened – you no longer hold onto it.  Forgiveness doesn't mean the removing of all consequences.  King David had all kinds of consequences following his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:13-14).

When you forgive that person for whatever they did, it doesn't mean you pick up where you left off.  They have to earn the right to be trusted.  They may be given a second chance, but everything is not always back where it once was.

Mark, I don’t think I ever can forgive this person.  I’m not ready.  When will you be ready?  Ask God to help you want to be ready to forgive.  Until you do, you live your life in the world’s worse prison – unforgiveness.


Blessings,


P.S.  Do you want more joy, more fulfillment, more blessing, more value, more significance added to your life?  Come this Sunday at 9:00 and 10:30 and discover the answer.