Think back to one of your accomplishments. There's a good chance it cost you something in terms of effort; it may have even been painful. But that cost, now that you are looking at it through the rear-view mirror might now be considered a good investment. Forgiveness is noble; it's a sign of following God, but it can be difficult. C.S. Lewis said, "Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive...". It seems that some of us would sooner have a root canal without anesthesia than forgive that person who "definitely doesn't deserve it". But God promises that it is an investment worth making.
We desire mercy and forgiveness from God, and we previously wrote of that need here. He wants us to repent, and he wants to forgive us. In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15: 11-32), the father joyfully runs out to meet his (very) sinful son with open arms and a forgiving heart. That is a window into the heart of our heavenly Father. We also see the heart of Jesus when, upon the cross and in utter agony, he prayed to the Father, "Forgive them..." referring to the very people who were persecuting him (Luke 23:34).
God Says He Won't Forgive Me?
To be a believer is to strive toward complete obedience. The Lord's prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) teaches that we ask God for forgiveness for our trespasses and forgive others for their trespasses against us. What is sometimes missed is the gravity of the following two verses, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15).
We've all heard accounts of people proclaiming that they will never forgive someone, sometimes for seemingly minor offenses. So it makes it all the more amazing when we read accounts of people forgiving someone who abused them for many years or killed a loved one. How is that even possible? Scripture points to our weakness in such matters but then gives us the answer, the strength of God through whom all things are possible.
Mercy is the Mark of the Christian
God has a heart for his enemies and our enemies. Jonah chose to turn away from wicked Nineveh, but God re-rerouted him to extend his mercy to those "unforgivable" people. The mature Christian wants to expand his own mercy and forgiveness and desires that others be with God for all eternity. He chooses to forgive because it glorifies God. Pastor and author Tim Keller wrote, " Mercy isn't just the job of the Christian. Mercy is the mark of the Christian". (Kellers book, "Forgive - Why Should I and How Can I" might prove helpful as you work through forgiveness.)
Forgiveness is challenging work, but it is so worth it.
Let's finish with a prayer. Father, thank you for your mercy and forgiveness and sending your son to take away my sins so I may have eternal life with you. I seek your wisdom, courage, and strength to forgive others. Be with me as I reach out to those you want me to forgive. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
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