FORGIVE!

Have you ever gone to sleep angry, and found that the person you’re mad at died before morning? How many times have you argued with someone and never been able to apologize because they got killed in a tragic accident?

Do you make your children feel like your love for them ends when you get angry with them? Do they feel like your love for them is conditional, based on their behavior? Or do you take time to assure them that even though you may be angry with them you still love them no matter what?

Do you know someone who holds grudges, doesn’t know how to accept an apology, and seemingly enjoys ranting and raving so that everyone around knows how offended they are? It does no good to rant at someone who’s offended you. It doesn’t make either of you feel any better. In fact, the more you rant, the more resentful they may feel toward you. They may wonder how many different ways and how many times they have to apologize before you accept their apology. Or they may just give up and start avoiding you. That’s not good for any relationship.

The best thing to do is forgive. Some may disagree with me; they may think that when they withhold forgiveness they’re punishing the offender. But what if the offender doesn’t know he’s done anything wrong? The person who’s been offended will be waiting a very long time for an apology in that case. If the offender knows about the offense and apologizes but forgiveness is withheld, what good will that do? None whatsoever. The person who refuses to forgive is now at fault and is held accountable to God.

If God forgave our sins when He sacrificed His Son on the cross, why should we not forgive people for their sins against us? Holding onto unforgiveness (grudges) and internalizing it can cause physical ramifications such as various forms of illness (i.e., ulcers, headaches, depression, anxiety). If we want to have a pure heart and stand guiltless before God, we must forgive. It is not merely a suggestion or a recommendation; it is a requirement.

What does the Bible say about forgiveness?

Matthew 5:23-24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”

Matthew 6:14-15 “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.”

Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Colossians 2:13-14 “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.”

Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”