Forgiven To Forgive
23 "For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him, 25 and, as he could not pay, the lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26 So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' 27 And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt." (Matthew 18:23-27)
Forgiveness can feel hard. We don't like letting people off the hook, and we sometimes mistake forgiveness for sweeping an offence under the rug or ignoring a wrong. In reality, forgiveness is trusting God's justice over our own. We can name and address a harm without holding on to it, and the issue can inform our relationship going forward without poisoning it. This may take time. It will take prayer. It may, depending on the severity of the harm, take counseling. But it is necessary for our mental, emotional, and spiritual freedom.
The example of Joseph forgiving his brothers for selling him into slavery provides a helpful shift in perspective. Joseph understood that what his brothers intended for evil, God had used for everyone's good. No matter the intentions of the person we view as an adversary, or the systems that seem to be setup for our failure, God can use every experience to bring about blessing - blessing for us and beyond us. If God has allowed something to happen to us, we can rest assured that God intends to bring something good
from it, through it, or despite it.
When we fail to forgive others, we are essentially passing judgement that we have no right to pass. Romans 14 reminds us that each of us stands before God's judgement alone. But, of course, Jesus makes the most compelling case in his parable of the unforgiving servant. Jesus reminds us that God has completely forgiven us of our debt of sin - a debt we could never pay. Our forgiveness of others is the only way to express our gratitude for this priceless gift. And if we refuse to give it, we forfeit the forgiveness God desires to shower upon us. Unforgiveness locks us in a prison of bitterness that can keep us from recognizing God's goodness and grace. Forgiveness is the key that opens us to the fulness of God's mercy and love. With God's help, may we release our grip on those things that have caused us pain and, with open hearts and open hands, may we receive the
freedom of forgiveness.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him. (Psalm 103:8-13)
Enjoy this original song by yours truly.
And this team up of TobyMac and Lecrae!
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