Forgiving Others

June 12, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:31-32.

 

Something To Think About:

 

~Have you ever forgiven someone but simply been unable to forget what they did to you?

~Why does God require that we forgive others?

~What gets in your way of forgiving others?  Pride?  Resentment?

 

 

     One of the true tests of faith, and perhaps the most powerful expression of love, is when we forgive others. Forgiveness is one of the most profound, pervasive, and powerful teachings within the Bible – but can also be one of the most difficult!

 

     “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”  

                                                                                      ~Lewis B. Smedes

 

     Are we required to forgive someone who abused us? An unfaithful spouse? A person who hurts our child? Someone who persistently takes advantage of us?

The clear and simple message of Jesus is, “yes!” We are to forgive – anyone and everyone– every time and always!. “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:13-14

 

     As our model, The Lord’s Prayer teaches that it is only as we forgive others that forgiveness takes hold in our own life. “Never criticize or condemn – or it will all come back on you. Go easy on others; then they will do the same for you.” Luke 6:37 TLB.  Christ even reminds us that our love must extend even to our enemies. “But I say, Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44  By loving and praying for our enemies rather than retaliating, we can overcome evil with good.

 

But not everyone deserves to be forgiven – right?  True. In fact, none of us deserve to be forgiven!  This is what makes God’s forgiveness of us so incredible. “Very few people will die to save the life of someone else. Although perhaps for a good person someone might possibly die. But god shows his great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners” Romans 5:7-8.

 

Does this mean that the sin against me doesn’t matter?  No – God never requires or asks us to minimize our pain or the trauma of sin. God doesn’t expect us to live in denial as to what happened to us. And even after we forgive someone, it doesn’t mean that all the earthly penalty is absolved either. If someone has committed a crime, the legal system should still do its work.

 

Do I have to forget? No – technically, our human mind finds it next-to-impossible to erase painful events –We aren’t to remember and count someone’s ways against them “It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.” 1 Corinthians 13:5 TLB. That doesn’t mean, however, we can just magically and instantly forget harsh and painful words or some other attack on us. But we do need to give even our memories to God and ask Him to bring healing. He will - over time.

 

What if I can’t forgive?  Can’t or won’t? Again, present your situation and sorrow to God and trust that He is working in your life right now, even if the feelings aren’t there yet.

 

God Will…

 

Forgive you as you forgive others – “Your heavenly Father will forgive you if you forgive those who sin against you; but if you refuse to forgive them, he will not forgive you.” Matthew 6:14-15 TLB.

 

Bless you as your forgive – “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead, pray for God’s help for them, for we are to be kind to others, and God will bless us for it.” 1 Peter 3:9 TLB

 

Forgive kindly and completely – “So overflowing is his kindness toward us that he took away all our sins through the blood of his Son, by whom we are saved.” Ephesians 1:7 TLB

 

See that love prevails – “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love makes up for many of your faults.” 1 Peter 4:8 TLB

 

     Maybe you’re struggling right now to forgive someone? If so, there may not be an immediate, singular moment when the issue is resolved for you. There can be a single moment, however, when you make commit to forgiving this person. Are you ready? With God’s help, you can do that today.

 

     The key to forgiving others is remembering how much God has forgiven you.

Realizing God’s infinite love and forgiveness can help you love and forgive others.

Dear Lord Jesus,

 

     How did You do it? How did You forgive my sins and die for me, so unworthy and undeserving of Your sacrifice? Beyond my feelings, I extend to others the same forgiveness You lavished on me. Erase my hurt and help me to forgive and forget the pain caused to me. Heal me whole as only You can.  In Your Holy name, Amen!

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

May we as Christ-believers bear more fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control. (Galatians 5:22)