Friday Faith Check-up: To Forgive is Divine

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."   -Mahatma Gandhi

Forgiveness. This single word can stir up a variety of emotions. Just the mention of it is sometimes enough to start an argument, or cry out in relief. There are different ways we perceive forgiveness; each one being justified by whomever you ask.

Understandably, forgiveness plays a large role in the lives of the Christian faithful. The concept of forgiveness is discussed many times in the Bible. One may discern from this fact alone that it must hold some importance, if only by its frequency in Scripture alone.

Jesus Christ was big on forgiveness. So much so, that he strongly urged his disciples to practice it regularly. He taught that the forgiveness of others is a condition for receiving forgiveness from God (Matthew 6:14-15; Mark 11:25).

After all, it is only through our forgiveness of others that we can welcome forgiveness into our own heart and life. By refusing to offer forgiveness we deprive ourselves of being able to receive it. Jesus also instructed that forgiveness is to be given as an act of grace on the part of the person who was wronged (Luke 17:3-4).

Waiting until just the right moment comes around to grant forgiveness won't do. Our forgiveness must be an act of grace. Following this same line, Christ insisted that our forgiveness must not be limited, or confined within certain parameters (Matthew 18:21-22). As God eagerly forgives our sins, we must be willing to do the same.

Forgiveness, as implied in the Bible, indicates a release or acquittal of something. We can clearly see this in the few examples given above. Because of Christ, we have been forgiven, or freed from God's legitimate penalty of sin. In other words, in God's beloved Son "we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" (Romans 8:1; Colossians 1:14).

Many of us have trouble with forgiveness. It might appear to be a sign of weakness, or letting the other person win. But nothing could be further from the truth. There is no vulnerability or emotion involved with it. What it boils down to is: an act of the will. I suppose this is what makes it so difficult to comprehend and do.

Forgiveness is not something that is handed out because a person deserves it. Not one of us deserves to be forgiven. Jesus demonstrated that forgiveness is a careful, intentional act of love, mercy, and grace. It is a decision not to resent, bear a grudge against, or blame something on someone, whatever the case might be (Matthew 6:14-15).

In closing, forgiveness is more than just a word, or concept. It is an essential part of salvation. When we receive forgiveness from Jesus Christ it means that our sins, trespasses, iniquities, and transgressions have all been obliterated. He took the punishment that was meant for us on the cross. Our sins were negated, thereby releasing us from its bondage (Ephesians 1:7).

I ask,"Have you accepted forgiveness from God?" There is no other way to have salvation without it. Salvation is God's liberating us from the penalty of sin. And God's salvation in Christ is the utmost example of His forgiveness. 

Scripture: Psalm 103:12; John 19:30; Mark 11:25; Proverbs 3:3; Colossians 3:13

Prayer: Holy Father, You are merciful and forgiving. By Your Son, Jesus Christ, we have redemption and the forgiveness of our sins. May I follow Your example and grant forgiveness as gracefully, and unselfishly as You. Amen

Have a blessed and safe weekend!

Kaye