Wouldn’t it be nice if we could set up a system that people navigated through to gain forgiveness? Maybe we could implement a penance system where they do hard time digging holes or picking up trash from the side of the interstate. The severity of their sentence would depend on the severity of the hurt. Let’s say lying might get you the sentence of 10 holes. Maybe hurtful words would get you 3 days on the interstate. Do the crime, pay the fine, and spend the time! That’s the way we’re wired. People want retaliation, not restoration. We’re entitled, right? They hurt us so we need to hurt them back so they can feel our pain. It’s the only way to be fair with this whole forgiveness thing. We often feel that our forgiveness is dependent upon the sorrow and painful experience of the one who offended. We want them to suffer. Guess what? Not so much. In fact, not at all. Our forgiveness should be unconditional.
Unconditional forgiveness is one of the highest forms of love
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). That’s it. It is honestly so difficult for me to grasp. I have offended God so much, and to think He sent His Son to die in my place. That means the penalty for sin is death and Jesus took that punishment for me. He took the beating, slapping, spitting, a spear in the side, the mocking, jeering, and nails in the hands and feet for me. I know it doesn’t make sense. But, because God loved you and me so much, He did that. His forgiveness demonstrated His love. Do you love God enough to demonstrate that depth of love toward someone else through forgiveness?
[Tweet “I have offended God so much, and to think He sent His Son to die in my place.”]
Unconditional forgiveness is difficult
No one said it was easy. In fact, it’s nearly impossible at times. But, just because it’s difficult doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done. Sometimes we have to do things because they are the right things to do. When the grass needs cutting, we cut the grass. When the leaves need raking, we rake the leaves. When the house needs painting…well, I don’t paint! You get idea. We do what is necessary regardless of the level of difficulty. Forgiveness is no different. We forgive regardless of the difficulty.
Unconditional forgiveness is reconciliation
The goal of forgiveness is reconciliation, not restoration. When you reconcile your bank statement, you make sure everything balances. No questions, concerns, or missing money. When you forgive someone, you reconcile the relationship. This means that you mark the slate clean and dismiss the offenses. Now, this doesn’t mean that your fellowship is restored. You can have a right relationship without restored fellowship. Restored fellowship is a choice you get to make. God asks us to forgive, but not to blindly trust in a relationship that continues to break confidence and trust. There is a difference between reconciling differences and restoring fellowship. One is commanded and the other is a choice.
Unconditional forgiveness is freeing
One of the most freeing actions you can ever take is to unconditionally forgive someone for a wrong suffered. It happens every day. You are hurt and then have to make a choice as to whether to forgive or not. I encourage you to forgive. It keeps your mind from trying to devise devilish schemes to “get back” at your offender. It keeps you from dwelling on the negative. But, it also frees you to move on and do what God intended for you to do. Dwelling on past hurts never allows you to move forward.
What past hurts do you need to forgive? Forgive and move on…..