Forgiveness is a subject that all Christians must confront at some point. Even though we have been forgiven much through the work of Christ, we are still called to extend that same forgiveness to others. Matthew 6:14-15 says, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
This passage should serve as a sober reminder of the seriousness of forgiveness. It is not optional for the believer – it is a command. And yet, we often struggle to lay aside our pride and extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us. This is because our sinful nature resists the call to selflessness and humility. We may feel that the offense was too great, that the offender doesn't deserve forgiveness, or that they should be made to suffer for what they have done. These are all lies from the enemy, designed to keep us trapped in a cycle of bitterness and unforgiveness.
So how do we overcome this struggle and fulfill the command to forgive? First, we must recognize the presence of unforgiveness in our hearts. Some signs that we may be harboring unforgiveness include feelings of anger, a desire for revenge, a lack of concern for the offender, and an inability to thank God for that person. These are all indications that we have allowed the offense to take root in our hearts and are refusing to let it go.
If we find that we are struggling with unforgiveness, we must then take steps to deal with it. This means confessing and repenting of our unforgiveness and bitterness, meditating on the forgiveness that Christ extended to us, and recognizing that forgiveness is an act of the will rather than just a feeling or emotion. We must also be willing to confess our unforgiveness to the person who offended us and make things right with them, as well as return good for the evil that was done to us. This may be difficult, but it is necessary if we want to be obedient to God and free from the bondage of unforgiveness.
It is important to remember that our struggles with forgiveness are not the fault of the offender, but rather a problem within our own hearts. They stem from the root sin of pride, which causes us to prioritize our own feelings over loving others. But thanks be to God, who did not feel that way toward us! He had every right to punish us for our sins, but instead, He poured out His wrath on His son, Jesus Christ. This is the ultimate act of forgiveness – that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
One of the biggest challenges in forgiveness is that it often requires us to let go of our own sense of justice. We may feel that the offender should be made to pay for their wrongdoing, and it can be difficult to let go of this desire for retribution. But as Christians, we are called to a higher standard. We are called to follow the example of Christ, who willingly suffered and died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). He showed us what true forgiveness looks like, and He calls us to do the same for others.
This does not mean that we are to be doormats or allow ourselves to be mistreated. It is important to set boundaries and protect ourselves from further harm. But it does mean that we are to extend the same grace and mercy to others that we have received from God. This is a difficult call, but it is a call that we must answer if we want to be obedient to God and free from the weight of unforgiveness.
So let us take this opportunity to examine our own hearts and see if there is anyone we need to forgive. Let us confess and repent of any bitterness or unforgiveness and let us strive to imitate the selfless love and forgiveness of Christ towards others. May we be a people known for our ability to extend grace and mercy, just as we have been shown grace and mercy by our heavenly Father.
