Day 13

Day 13: Forgiveness

         Forgiveness.  This is a word that carries a heavy meaning.  In Christianity we know that we have been forgiven through the death of Christ.

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”  Matthew 26:28

       Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.  He was sacrificed for us.  Knowing that He forgives us so freely with such sacrifice how do we not forgive the same?  Why do we struggle with forgiveness of others and ourselves?

In forgiving we are not approving of or diminishing the sin, God died for that very sin.  Forgiving is not enabling the one who committed the sin. It is not turning a blind eye to the problem but sometimes means you confront and correct the person who committed the sin.  When you actively choose to forgive there is no promise that the person will apologize or admit the wrongdoing.  You may never forget what they did and they may never apologize.  You may never have closure.  You may be hurt again.  You may not stop feeling the hurt it has caused.  However know this.  Forgiveness is the freedom for you.  It is cleaning out the control we have given others to allow our spirit to be controlled by the love of God. 

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,” Ephesians 1:7

It is in His Power that we can forgive and be forgiven and ultimately God is in control of the justice that we so deeply want seen when we are hurt.  Know that the person who has hurt you, will be judged by God someday.  It is not your job nor in your power. With forgiveness we need to pray for that person praying that God touches them in a tangible way.  We also ask for forgiveness for things we may have done to hurt others, because even if we don’t realize it there have been hurts we have created that others still carry.  Pray to forgive others and in turn pray for their forgiveness. 

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”  Matthew 6:14

       The definition of forgiveness in Merriam Webster is

1a :  to give up resentment of or claim to requital for <forgiven insult>

b :  to grant relief from payment of <forgive a debt>

2:  to cease to feel resentment against (an offender) :  pardon<forgive one's enemies>

       When I look at the definition I see an active part we have to take for forgiveness; give up, grant, cease.  We have to take control and actively forgive.  If we do not take that active role unforgiveness can eat at you and create bitterness within you.  Not taking an active role, we allow the person who has hurt us to continue to be in control of our emotions when they have most likely moved on.  Allowing them to have control over you is not healthy and does not allow a healthy spirit for God to do immeasurably more in and through you.

       Are there people you need to ask forgiveness from?  Are there people you need to forgive?  Begin that list now, begin to pray for God’s guidance, and GO.  Go ask for forgiveness and forgive so that your spirit will be freed for the movement of God and the immeasurably more He wants to do through you.