Introduction to Forgiveness
Christianity 101 teaches us forgiveness is key to reconciliation with God. Without it, we would never have a relationship with Him. Moreover, if we will not forgive others we will not be forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15). What if you struggle to forgive others? What about forgiving yourself? What does forgiveness look like? Let see what we can find from Godâs perspective.
What Does Forgiveness Looks Like For God
Luke 23:33-34 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted His raiment, and cast lots.
At the Cross, Jesus presents us with the perfect example of forgiveness in a graphic form. In the midst of suffering beyond anything anyone of all time could ever imagine, much less endure, Jesus said, âFather, forgive them, for they know not what they do.â How many of us would go out their way to forgive?
Stop, and really consider whatâs being said here: how many of us would say, âForgive them, they donât know what theyâre doingâ while under severe pain and suffering? Now take it another step, would you willingly suffer for others in order to forgive them?
He not only laid His life down for those you might consider âdecent human beings,â He asked God to forgive the very ones who nailed Him to the Cross. That reveals a love beyond human rationale. So yes, it absolutely can be said it was love that kept Jesus on the Cross, not so much the nails.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, Who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation (putting in us the word of reconciliation).
The goal of forgiveness is reconciliation. While on the Cross, Jesus did not hold us accountable for our sins; in fact, He took our sins unto Himself. In essence, He sought to place our sins on His account. Itâs still up to each person to take Him up on His offer. He didnât force anyone to receive forgiveness, He left that decision to the individual.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
Even though, we were the transgressors, God made the first move to reconcile with us. He didnât wait on people; He went to them. He made it clear He would forgive if we would repent and ask. Just because someone else trespassed against you, doesnât mean you have to wait for him or her to make the first move -even if youâre totally innocent.
When you read The Parable of the Parodical Son, did you notice the father went running toward the son when he saw him in the distance (Luke 15:11-32)? He didnât wait for him; he went after him. Isnât that what our Father did with us? Scripture reveals you could never approach Him, without Him making the first move. He drew you; you did not draw Him! Check it out in the Bible, if you havenât already done so.
Psalms 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
People love this verse in the Bible, and so they should. We know east never meets west; thus, God never reminds us of our past. It is over as far as He is concerned. By the way, if itâs over as far as He is concerned, why would you remind yourself over and over? If you repented and received forgiveness, let it go.
This leads to another point: if you told someone you forgave him or her, it would be illegal for you to ever bring the issue up again. If you youâre ever tempted or itâs been a habit, ask yourself: Is this the way God treats me? If the other brings it up, it would be a great idea to make it clear you have already forgiven him or her. It is not cool to make someone grovel for forgiveness.
Next round, weâll take a look at what forgiveness looks like for us, and how to forgive others should emotions overwhelm you.
