Forgiveness

To forgive is a divine attribute. It is to pardon or excuse someone from blame for an offense or misdeed, whether real or imagined. The scriptures teach two general aspects of forgiveness: 1) The Lord commands us to repent of our sins and seek His forgiveness; and 2) He also commands us to forgive those who offend or hurt us. How we respond to these commands will affect our spiritual, mental and physical well-being.

Sin is a heavy burden. It brings guilt and the pain of knowing that we have acted against the will of God. We experience remorse as we realize that because of our actions, we may have hurt others and hurt our own relationship with God (Mark 11:25). Through the atoning blood of Jesus, we can receive forgiveness for our sins if we obey his terms for pardon (Rom. 6:17, 18). Just as God pleaded with his people in ancient times, He pleads with us today: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden… and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:28-30).

In addition to seeking forgiveness for our own sins, we must be willing to forgive others. But forgiveness does not come easy for most of us. Our natural instinct is to recoil in self-protection when we've been injured. Many are lacking in mercy, grace and forgiveness when wronged. From time to time each of us will be wronged by another-sometimes innocently, sometimes thoughtlessly and sometimes intentionally. When wronged one might become bitter, angry or vengeful, but this is not the Lord's way (Matthew 5:44; Col 3:13). It would be great if the offender would come to you and ask forgiveness. This would make it easier. But some people will never do that. Forgiveness need not require forgetting, but forgiveness does demand that the sin no longer be held against the person. When Christians turn away from God he requires action before forgiveness (1John 1:9; Acts 8:21). Yet if a Christian we have the security of continual cleansing, even if imperfect, as we "walk in the light" (1 John 1:7-10).

As important as forgiveness may be it may come into conflict with justice. Although it is normal for us to feel anger toward sin and injustice, it is not our job to judge, condemn and punish. We learn from Scripture, if we don't forgive, neither will we be forgiven (Matthew 6:14-16). Yet it may be possible to forgive and relieve our soul even while seeking justice for the good of the community.

We are the ones who suffer most when we choose not to forgive. When we do forgive, the Lord sets our hearts free from the anger, bitterness, and resentment that previously troubled us. It takes much more courage and strength of character to forgive than it does to be bitter and vengeful toward an offender. What a joyous experience it is to be forgiven and to forgive. When one refuses to forgive his life will be governed by an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation. We are never more like Christ than when we forgive those who sin against us.

The church of Christ at Forum welcomes visitors and/or private home studies. See the link below for contact information: www.ForumCOC.org