We all mess up at times. Whether you are a young person, parent, grandparent, manager, coach, or CEO, being free from blunders is not an option. As a child, I rarely heard the words, “Please forgive me,” so as a young dad, I determined to make sure my family knew I wasn’t infallible and willing to admit my errors. The accomplished scientist, inventor, and author Orlando Aloysius Battista wisely stated, “An error doesn’t become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.” I did not want my errors to become mistakes. Instead, I wanted to show my loved ones that healing a damaged relationship often requires asking for forgiveness—and giving forgiveness.
Nelson’s New Illustrative Bible tells us that “forgiveness” means “the act of excusing or pardoning others despite their mistakes, offenses, or shortcomings; in a theological context, it specifically refers to God’s act of pardoning human sins.” As Christians we serve a gracious, loving Heavenly Father who regularly and completely forgives our transgressions.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
To those who accept salvation through Christ’s sacrifice, the Holy Spirit testifies:
“And their sins and their lawless deeds I will no longer remember” (Hebrews 10:17).
Restoring relationships often requires us to forgive others:
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also” (Colossians 3:12-13).
That is not always easy and seems illogical at times. Sometimes we ask others to forgive us even when they have not been willing to seek our forgiveness for the problems they created or pain they caused. According to God, we still must forgive. Nehemiah testifies to the Lord’s forgiveness despite the continual rebellion of the Israelites:
“But You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in mercy; and You did not abandon them” (Nehemiah 9:17b).
Forgiveness is not just a nice Christian idea; it is absolutely critical to our very understanding of God’s sacrifice that brought Christ Jesus to Calvary’s Cross. Likewise, understanding God’s compassion and accepting His forgiveness of our own sins makes it easier to forgive others.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 103: 8-13
Personal Application: Do you feel forgiven? Do you recognize God’s compassion and mercy in your own life? If you struggle to forgive others, consider how you have wronged and hurt God with your actions and attitudes. Stay in that place of humility, confessing your sins and thanking God for His forgiveness. Imagine your sins flung as far as the east is from the west. Meditate on Ephesians 4:31, “Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Only by the work of the cleansing blood of Jesus and through the active role of the Holy Spirit in our lives can we find the will and freedom to forgive others.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5