Finding freedom in forgiveness

We live in a world that is riddled with anger and division between political parties, war, cancel culture, and many other things. Jesus warned us that there would be times like these: “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). In such a world however, where the average person’s heart is cold toward others, the message and power of Christ-like forgiveness shines brighter than ever. For us Christians, forgiveness is not just a concept or recommendation, it is a cornerstone of faith, and a command from God. Peter, one of Jesus’s disciples, asked Jesus a great question: “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21b). I imagine Peter feeling quite pleased with himself. To Peter’s astonishment, Jesus says: “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22). What a radical statement. The Lord is not saying we are to forgive someone 490 times, it means we are to always be willing to forgive those who have hurt us.

If you’re anything like me, your first question would be to ask why we’re called to do this, because the ability to forgive is not exactly something that comes naturally. The great thing about God is that he never commands us to do things that He does not do Himself. Ephesians 4:32 displays this perfectly: “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” The question on why we are to radically forgive others is answered very easily, because we have been forgiven by God through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. God’s forgiveness of our sins was infinitely greater than the offenses committed against us by others, and when you realize how much your forgiveness cost God, then letting that slanderous Facebook comment go becomes much easier.

The truth is that unforgiveness is a plague in our souls, that keeps us bound in the chains of bitterness, resentment, and anger. From personal experience, this is not a good place to be. It leads to great spiritual imbalance, increased stress, relationship problems, and most importantly, disconnection from the Lord. What does godly forgiveness look like? It is releasing that person from the sin committed against you. It is in no way condoning the behavior, minimizing the pain, absolving someone’s responsibility, or even allowing that person back in your life if your safety calls for this, but it is about releasing bitterness and resentment to the Lord as the ultimate judge, and choosing not to be defined by those past hurts. In other words, forgiveness is more a transaction between you and the Lord, then it is you and the offender. It is an act of courage, not weakness, and ultimately an act of faith in God. The ability to forgive someone seems easier said than done, but if we are saved and sealed with the Holy Spirit, then the power of forgiveness flows from God to you, from you to others, and don’t forget about you to yourself. Jesus came that you would have life abundantly (John 10:10) and that abundant life comes first from God’s forgiveness of our sins in Christ, and the incomparable solvent of forgiveness that heals deep wounds, generations of hatred, and years of guilt. To the Christian, live a life of radical forgiveness, because your Lord radically forgave you.

Taryn Hansen is creative arts director at High Sierra Fellowship.