It's Important That We Learn to Forgive

In the late 1990's, Pete Peterson was appointed U.S. ambassador to Vietnam. Peterson had served six years as a prisoner of war in the dreaded "Hanoi Hilton" prison camp. When asked how he could return to the land where he'd endured years of starvation, brutality and torture, he replied, "I'm not angry. I left that at the gates of the prison when I walked out in 1972. I just left it behind me and decided to move forward with my life."

C.S. Lewis once said, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” It's important that we learn to forgive. However, this is easier said than done. Forgiveness is a learned response. It's not something that is instinctive. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Our sinful nature keeps us from seeking, or giving forgiveness.

Fortunately, we have help with this. The greatest teacher who ever lived, Jesus Christ, wants to teach us to forgive. And, He has many valuable lessons he wants to teach us. These lessons will help us spiritually, physically and emotionally. You see, Jesus wants to give us "the gift of eternal life." He also wants to give us victory in this life as well.

Why is forgiveness so important? First, forgiveness is important because God’s forgiveness of us is dependent on our forgiving others. Look at what the Bible has to say about this in Mark 11:25-26 . A second reason why forgiveness is important is because our spiritual freedom depends on our forgiving others.

Whenever you harbor unforgiveness in your heart you will be in bondage. You won't have freedom when you try to worship (Matthew. 5:22-23). Unforgiveness hinders worship. Unforgiveness keeps you in bondage. “Forgiveness doesn't make the other person right, it makes you free,”  says Stormie Omartian, American Christian author.

So, once again, why should we forgive? To begin with, forgiveness acknowledges that there was a wrong committed. I know this can be difficult for many of us to do. But, when you honestly confront the idea of forgiveness, that very act puts you in a place where you are acknowledging that a wrong was done; something that’s bad enough to need forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not acting as if a wrong was not that important. Forgiveness is confrontation. Forgiveness requires admitting that a serious wrong was done against you. Which brings us to another reason for forgiveness. Forgiveness changes your status from victim to victor.

When someone does something hurtful to us, we are the victim of their meanness or their thoughtlessness. We sometimes believe that there is nothing we can do about our victim status, but that’s not true.

When we forgive, we are no longer powerless, we are no longer the one who has merely been acted upon. When we forgive, we boldly stand and say, “You will not dictate the way I respond; you will not dictate who I am.”

Forgiveness makes sense for people who have needed, do need, and will need forgiveness. We like to focus on the immediate situation and dwell on the wrong done to us. We often come up with harsh and merciless responses to those who hurt us.

But, if we look at the larger situation, we're not only the one to whom wrong has been done, we're also often the one who has done wrong to others (Matthew 6:12). God has no tolerance for the person who is quick to receive forgiveness from God, but then is unwilling to forgive the one who wrongs him.

Something else to consider is that forgiveness is the only road to freedom. Certainly, forgiveness does have its risks, but our only other choice (our only other ‘road’) is to hold onto the bitterness and anger.

How many of us today could name someone who’s life has been ruined simply because they continue to hold onto a wrong done them? Yes, forgiveness is risky, but it is the only road to freedom. The other road always leads to self-destruction.

Finally, forgiveness is not Jesus’ suggestion. Matthew 18:21-35 and numerous other passages make it clear the forgiveness is Jesus’ command! Hopefully, you have seen that forgiveness is the wise choice. But, at the end of the day for the obedient Christian, it isn't simply the wisest choice, it is your only choice. Have a wonderful weekend!

Scripture: Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 2:8; Isaiah 53:5; Romans 8:1; Jeremiah 31:34; Psalm 130:3; Proverbs 15:30

Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for this day. Thank you for the small things in life. These small things are constant reminders of your grace and seeing them fills my heart with peace and love. Amen

May your day be blessed!

Bonnie