Thoughts on Forgiveness
Forgiveness is clearing the record of those who have wronged me, allowing God to love them through me.
It’s unconditional.
God allowed them to offend you — it forces you to focus on spiritual needs in your life and theirs.
The Greek word translated as forgiveness in the New Testament is aphesis. It means dismissal, release, pardon, “to send away” (paid in full).
Unforgiveness causes bitterness and grieves the Holy Spirit.
Forgiveness…
- requires the power of God
- must come from the heart
- brings peace
- is an act of the will, not a feeling
- is not forgetting
- is not excusing
Does the thought of certain offenders bring pain and hurt to you?
Do you believe it’s your responsibility to punish them?
Is God trustworthy? Can I trust Him when my world is falling apart?
God will be my defender. Psalm 119:154, Jeremiah 51:36
Reasons to forgive?
- draws us closer to God
- purifies our faith
- gives us more grace and power
- gives us compassion for others
Proud people wait for the other to come and ask forgiveness when a conflict occurs. Broken people take the initiative to be reconciled.
The relationship may not be restored, but you can still forgive.
Don’t hold them responsible. Don’t tell others (except for crimes, or for therapy to one person who will never ever tell anyone else).
Forgiveness is not: approving, excusing, justifying, pardoning, reconciliation (takes two), denying, blindness, forgetting, not taking the wrong seriously, pretending we aren’t hurt.
Forgiveness is: being aware and still forgiving, keeping no records, refusing to punish, not telling others, being merciful, graciousness (what you don’t say), an inner condition (in the heart), absence of bitterness, forgiving God, forgiving ourselves.
It’s easier to forgive an enemy.
It we don’t forgive, we can become like them — release or resemble.
Pray for them.
“Unforgiveness is the poison we drink, hoping others will die.”
Matthew 18:21-35 (Peter concerned about punishing offender)
Colossians 3:12-13 “forgiving one another”
Ephesians 4:31-32
Matthew 6:14-15 “if you don’t forgive”
1 Peter 3:8-9 don’t repay — bless
James 2:13 judgment without mercy
Psalm 103:12
Matthew 5:24
October 25, 2007 at 10:24 am
Hello! I got on this site from a link from the 5 Lavin site. These comments on forgiveness are amazing and having put most of this to practice, I can certainly vouch for the power that lies therein!
We pray God’s richest blessings over you, Josh, and your entire family (the one of origin and the one to come someday). We are here if you ever need anything from us ever.
December 12, 2007 at 12:01 am
Forgiveness has helped me to love the offenders with a deep love only Christ can give. Forgiveness is so illogical it must be one of God’s special blessings of grace to us.