The Importance of Forgiveness
How important is forgiveness to you?
Verse of the Day
“and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”
Today’s Devotional
I read in several different books the same sentiment, that daily bread is our biggest physical need and forgiveness is one of our primary spiritual needs. However, there may be a temptation among Chistians to dismiss this need for continual forgiveness. Without ill-intent, do we ever dismiss our sinfulness and assume that our forgiveness is automatic?
We must never forget that forgiveness of our sins through the sacrifice of Jesus is what allows us to have fellowship with the Father. Because He cannot be in the presence of sin, we must have forgiveness to be in His presence.
About our continual need for forgiveness, Anthony Ash puts it this way: “It is a wonder to be born again, to be forgiven. But temptation remains, and for humans the need for forgiveness is a lifelong need. Christianity provides not only the initial purification but also the promise of continual cleansing through the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus. However, the cleansing must be sought by continued exhibitions of faith – hence. “Forgive us our sins.” To have been cleansed once with no promise of further purification would not solve the deadly sin problem. Christians, knowing their inner selves and the “demons” that beset them, gratefully receive the promise enshrined in this petition. When any of us reflects on what we are in our own hearts- even the best of us- we are amazed at the love and patience of our Lord. We have failed so often, but the list of our transgressions is never longer than the offer of his forgiving grace.”
Sometimes we encounter the problem of not feeling worthy of forgiveness. This is one of many examples of how our emotions can be an obstacle for us. Forgiveness, however, takes place in the heart of God, not in our emotions. In fact, Richard Foster goes so far as to say that “At the very heart of the universe is God’s desire to give and to forgive” His children.
Then we are confronted with the condition of our forgiveness, which is that we forgive others. We are forgiven as we forgive. So how do we forgive? We will discuss this in more detail tomorrow. For today, let’s look at how God’s economy works based on biblical teaching. We give in order to receive. Whether it is love, service, mercy, gratitude, material things, acceptance, or forgiveness, we must give away that which we most desire. St. Augustine said, “God gives where he finds empty hands.” This truth is so contrary to our humanness that it requires trust in the God of these promises. Do we trust Him enough to obey this call to forgive others? The answer to that question may depend on our awareness of how much we have to be forgiven for.
We are being taught by Jesus Himself that our request for forgiveness is nullified when we choose to be unforgiving. The beauty is that God meets each of us exactly where we are. So perhaps there is a step toward freedom when we confess to God that we need help to have the power to begin even wanting to forgive others.
Looking at the example of the One who is teaching us, we see that on the cross He asked the Father to forgive us, because we did not know what we were doing. Can you even fathom that? Having been beaten, humiliated, and nailed to a cross, Jesus asks His Father to forgive us? Looking to the book of Acts, we see Stephen as he is being stoned to death asking that his killers not be charged with his death. This was after he was falsely accused, lied about, and in the process of being stoned. If our Lord Jesus can forgive us, and His followers model this kind of forgiveness, who are we to decide that forgiveness is simply too difficult a command to obey?
May we be people who pray for the ability to forgive. And when this seems too difficult, may we humbly ask God for the help to extend forgiveness to others.
Journal Prompts
Answer only the questions that seem relevant to you today.
How much has God forgiven you for?
How difficult is it for you to forgive others?
What gets in the way of your ability to receive God’s forgiveness?
How do you need God’s help to be forgiving of others?