Thursday, March 26, 2009

Forgiveness: There's No Time Like The Present

“…forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:11-15 (ESV)

I remember reading somewhere that true forgiveness can only be granted if the transgressor asks for it. Can we be blunt here? That’s baloney. The decision to forgive does not lie in the once who has wronged, but the one who has been wronged. And – again, being blunt – it we allow bitterness to reign in our hearts toward someone who has hurt us, cheated us or just plain offended us, they win.

Read these words from Luke carefully:

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven; give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:37-38, ESV).

We like to concentrate on verse 38 (“give and it will be given to you…”) more than verse 37, don’t we? The simple fact is, these two passages make it clear that forgiveness is not conditional. It isn’t an effect caused only when someone says, “I’m sorry.” Let’s face it, some people just won’t ever apologize (or feel the need to). In fact, they may continue to heap offense and hurt on you. But that does not negate our duty – our command – to forgive. The power of Christ must be stronger within us than the power of someone else to anger, hurt or disappoint us.

Notice again Matthew 6:15 and Luke 6:38. If we opt not to forgive unconditionally, we endanger our forgiveness from God – and that’s not good. However, if we offer forgiveness – freely, without grudge, without reminder, without bitterness – the same will be given back to us in return.

Some people are just very hard to forgive. In fact, some people may not deserve our forgiveness. But, here’s the thing: none of us deserves God’s forgiveness. Every time we sin, no matter how small, it is an offense against God. But remember, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, ESV).

So… let me ask you. Who do you need to forgive? Against whom do you hold a grudge? Who do you feel bitterness toward? Is it a friend who has wronged you? A spouse who has lied to you? A co-worker who misrepresented you? Someone who belittled you or stole from you or simply called you “ugly” or “dumb”? Whoever it is, forgive them. It doesn’t mean you buddy up to someone who mistreats you. It means you let go of the offense and allow yourself the inner peace that comes with releasing bitterness. And, if you can’t forgive that person, ask God to help you. He will. When you start dwelling on your anger or bitterness, stop. Ask God to help. Think about Christ and what He has done for you. Consider the forgiveness you have received. And thank Him for the unfailing, unending, immeasurable love and grace God heaps upon you.



© 2009 by Chris Courtney. All rights reserved.

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