“And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32, Amplified Bible Classic)
Forgiveness of others is a clear demonstration of Christ within us and an essential mark of the abundant life. Because we have received immeasurable grace for our own countless offenses, it becomes our obligation and privilege to extend that same mercy to everyone else.
Forgiving others, especially when we have been deeply offended, is never an easy thing to do. When we have been wronged by someone close to us—a spouse, a family member, or a friend—the offense takes on a titanic size and weight. I have found it is much easier to forgive a stranger than it is to forgive those with whom we share our lives. But we must forgive, for we are debtors to God's grace, and we are commanded to model that grace.
Jesus explained this critical principle by way of the parable of the unforgiving servant:
“Then Peter came up to Him and said, Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? [As many as] up to seven times? Jesus answered him, I tell you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven! Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a human king who wished to settle accounts with his attendants... [The master forgave a debt of] 10,000 talents [probably about $10,000,000]... But that same attendant, as he went out, found one of his fellow attendants who owed him a hundred denarii [about twenty dollars]; and he caught him by the throat and said, Pay what you owe!... So also My heavenly Father will deal with every one of you if you do not freely forgive your brother from your heart his offenses.” (Matthew 18:21-35)
This profound and troubling picture teaches us that failure to forgive exposes us to wrath and judgment because we have failed to practice the very grace we received. As difficult as it may be to extend mercy, especially to those closest to us, our Father demands it.
Satan is called the accuser, and this torment is one of his specialties. He will bring the offense back to your mind, accusing you and watering the seed of bitterness so that it can grow into a tree of scorn and contempt. Forgiveness disarms the accuser of this weapon and frees us from this destructive cycle.
Unforgiveness often leads to a wrathful, hateful spirit toward the other person. We are strictly forbidden from inflicting our own wrath upon others, as is fitting for all followers of Christ. Forgiveness is the antidote to this self-inflicted spiritual injury.
We are not to seek personal vengeance, but instead, we trust God to avenge us for those offenses, as it is written:
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God's] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. [Deut. 32:35.]” (Romans 12:19)
True forgiveness means relinquishing control over the outcome. It is letting go of the entire matter and trusting it to God to make it right, in His time, and according to His sovereign will. We must release the desire for personal repayment. When we do this, peace will return and reign in our hearts.
We can take comfort in the promise that God is a God of Justice who does not overlook wickedness:
“O love the Lord, all you His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, and plentifully pays back him who deals haughtily.” (Psalm 31:23)
“Assuredly [I pledge it] the wicked shall not go unpunished, but the multitude of the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be delivered.” (Proverbs 11:21)
God is altogether trustworthy. He is merciful and full of grace, and we demonstrate His presence in our lives powerfully when we decide to release others from the offensive things that have injured us. Forgiving others is a mark of Christ within us and a powerful testimony of Godly character.
Forgiveness of others is a clear demonstration of Christ within us and an essential mark of the abundant life. Because we have received immeasurable grace for our own countless offenses, it becomes our obligation and privilege to extend that same mercy to everyone else.
Forgiving others, especially when we have been deeply offended, is never an easy thing to do. When we have been wronged by someone close to us—a spouse, a family member, or a friend—the offense takes on a titanic size and weight. I have found it is much easier to forgive a stranger than it is to forgive those with whom we share our lives. But we must forgive, for we are debtors to God's grace, and we are commanded to model that grace.
Jesus explained this critical principle by way of the parable of the unforgiving servant:
“Then Peter came up to Him and said, Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? [As many as] up to seven times? Jesus answered him, I tell you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven! Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a human king who wished to settle accounts with his attendants... [The master forgave a debt of] 10,000 talents [probably about $10,000,000]... But that same attendant, as he went out, found one of his fellow attendants who owed him a hundred denarii [about twenty dollars]; and he caught him by the throat and said, Pay what you owe!... So also My heavenly Father will deal with every one of you if you do not freely forgive your brother from your heart his offenses.” (Matthew 18:21-35)
This profound and troubling picture teaches us that failure to forgive exposes us to wrath and judgment because we have failed to practice the very grace we received. As difficult as it may be to extend mercy, especially to those closest to us, our Father demands it.
Forgiveness as a Gift to Self
Forgiving others is also a profound gift we give to ourselves. When we forgive, we are not releasing the person from God's ultimate judgment; rather, we are releasing the offense from the seed of bitterness it has planted in our own hearts and minds. Until we forgive, we will anguish and lament the offense, and this becomes a valuable tool for the enemy of our souls to torment us with.Satan is called the accuser, and this torment is one of his specialties. He will bring the offense back to your mind, accusing you and watering the seed of bitterness so that it can grow into a tree of scorn and contempt. Forgiveness disarms the accuser of this weapon and frees us from this destructive cycle.
Unforgiveness often leads to a wrathful, hateful spirit toward the other person. We are strictly forbidden from inflicting our own wrath upon others, as is fitting for all followers of Christ. Forgiveness is the antidote to this self-inflicted spiritual injury.
We are not to seek personal vengeance, but instead, we trust God to avenge us for those offenses, as it is written:
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God's] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. [Deut. 32:35.]” (Romans 12:19)
True forgiveness means relinquishing control over the outcome. It is letting go of the entire matter and trusting it to God to make it right, in His time, and according to His sovereign will. We must release the desire for personal repayment. When we do this, peace will return and reign in our hearts.
We can take comfort in the promise that God is a God of Justice who does not overlook wickedness:
“O love the Lord, all you His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, and plentifully pays back him who deals haughtily.” (Psalm 31:23)
“Assuredly [I pledge it] the wicked shall not go unpunished, but the multitude of the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be delivered.” (Proverbs 11:21)
God is altogether trustworthy. He is merciful and full of grace, and we demonstrate His presence in our lives powerfully when we decide to release others from the offensive things that have injured us. Forgiving others is a mark of Christ within us and a powerful testimony of Godly character.
