During the
debriefing session of my recent service trip to SE Asia, a question was asked
for us to reflect upon. The question was, “Is there anyone you need to
apologize to?” I skipped the question initially, because I felt that I needed
to go over every conversation and action in order to answer it honestly.
It got me
thinking about my day-to-day living. Do I spend that much time thinking through
my words or actions to see if I need to apologize to anyone. I will admit, I don’t.
But why not?
One online source
says that the word “forgive” appears 116 times in Scripture and “forgiving”
seven times.[i]
It seems that God believes forgiveness to be pretty important. Let’s look at
some of these passages.
Why Does God Forgive?
God desires a
relationship with mankind, with each of us. With that relationship comes
forgiveness. God’s willingness to forgive us for our imperfections is part of
who He is. It is a characteristic He possesses. Here are some passages that
show His forgiving nature.
“They refused to listen and failed to remember
the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their
rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a
forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.
Therefore you did not desert them.”
(Nehemiah 9:17 – NIV)
“You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding
in love to all who call to you.”
(Psalm 86:5 – NIV)
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow
to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his
anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according
to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are from the earth, so great is
his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far
has he removed our transgressions from us.”
(Psalm 103:8-12 – NIV)
“The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving,
even though we have rebelled against him.”
(Daniel 9:9 – NIV)
God’s Forgiveness Toward Us
I believe we need
to have an understanding of how God forgives us so that we in turn may forgive
others. Some Scripture that shows God’s willingness to forgive are below.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will
humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their
land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 – NIV)
“In him we have redemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’ grace that he
lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” (Ephesians 1:7-8 – NIV)
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of
darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have
redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
(Colossians 1:13-14 – NIV)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and
just and will forgive all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:9 – NIV)
Our Forgiveness Toward Others
Because we have
been lavished with forgiveness from our heavenly Father, we must in turn
forgive others. It isn’t an option, it is a command. And yet, more of God’s
Word and how we are to forgive.
“For if you forgive men when they sin against
you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men
their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15 – NIV)
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord,
how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven
times? Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” (Matthew 18:21-22 – NIV)
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger,
brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and
compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ god
forgave you.” (Ephesians
4:31-32 – NIV)
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances
you may have against one another.”
(Colossians 3:13 – NIV)
I believe the
conclusion here is to forgive, ask for forgiveness, and know that we will be
forgiven by God. Unfortunately, when we allow our human nature to rule our hearts
instead of God’s Spirit, this concept gets a little muddled.
Today I must ask
two questions. Is there anyone you need to apologize to? Is there anyone you
need to offer forgiveness to? If someone comes to mind, spend some time with
your heavenly Father and ask Him how to pursue reconciliation. He will lead and
guide you through this process. You won’t have to do this alone.
Forgiveness is a
tough issue, because it is a heart issue. It isn’t easy. It isn’t fun. But bitterness
and guilt are even more difficult to live with, so we must forgive. Don’t waste
another day living without forgiveness. It really isn’t worth it.
Grace and peace
be yours in abundance,
Donna
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