Forgiveness

The world we live in is full of sin. Our very nature is sinful. The result is that we face daily trials, disappointments, and offenses even among dear friends and family.

What is the Biblical approach to overcoming those hurts and betrayals? How do we forgive and why is it so important to do so?

A lot of times we feel stuck in our walk with God.  One reason for this could be a lingering issue with another person. The inability to forgive causes much pain and entangles us, paralyzing us in our Christian growth and walk with the Lord.  

In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he states “I am the foremost sinner” (1 Timothy 1:15). We have to realize that we are each and every one of us a foremost sinner.  We aren’t in a competition in that regard. There is no sin greater than another and when we truthfully reflect on ourselves, it becomes evident that we fall short daily. Yet in this depth of sin, God showed His grace towards us. We didn’t deserve it. It was His love for us, that He gave His only son to die for us, so we could be reconciled to Him. God was merciful towards us and calls us to extend that same mercy towards others (Luke 6:36).

Matthew 18:21-35 is a parable about forgiveness. In summary, it explains how a servant, who was forgiven by the king for a debt he was unable to pay, went to a fellow servant who owed him money and violently demanded the debt be paid. The fellow servant was unable to pay, just as he himself was not able to pay back the king, but he did not extend the same mercy he received from the king. The consequence of unforgiveness is seen in the king’s response.  When he heard what the forgiven servant had done to another, he demanded that he be handed over to the jailers. Not being able to forgive causes terrible pain.  Until we are able to truly forgive, we will suffer in many ways.  However, when we forgive, God demonstrates truth in our life of how things work out for our good.

The story of Joseph is a beautiful example of God’s sovereignty as well as God’s ways to use what is meant for evil for good. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery out of jealousy, but God raised him up to be an important official in Egypt. Joseph continued to humbly walk with the Lord fulfilling His plans, and in the end extended forgiveness to his brothers. He had his eyes fixed on the Lord and trusted in God’s sovereignty.

If we want to forgive, we can’t have our eyes focused on our current world.  We have to set our eyes on the things above as Colossians 3:2 instructs.  This world is not our home. We are called to live a life set apart for the Gospel. And we each have much to do for the Kingdom of God.  A final focus today is on Hebrews 12:1-3.  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 

We are called to run this race alongside our brothers and sisters in truth, even those who have wronged us along the way.  We are called to do so with grace and love, building each other up as we further God’s kingdom.

Today’s Challenge:  Your challenge today consists of spending time in the Word reviewing these stories of forgiveness.  Read the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35) and the story of Joseph (Genesis 38, 40-45).  Pray God will reveal any areas in your life where you have not been able to forgive. Meditate on ways you can find closure by giving those cares to the Lord. By doing so, you’re casting off weights that are keeping you from running the race with everything you have.