Forgiveness

 

Why do we forgive? 

I have heard it said so many times that we forgive to set ourselves free. I also to a degree, believe this - but I do not believe it should be the primary reason: The Lord has already set us free, through the power if the Cross. And besides this; every time I make anything about “me” - i.e. “setting myself free”, it always seems to end in epic failure. Why? See Galatians 2:20. This is primarily and ultimately about Christ and how his crucifixion has dealt with my sin… 

“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 

When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.

And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 

So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 

And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 

But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 

He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 

When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 

Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 

And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 

So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:23-35

The Lord has forgiven me of a debt that I could never ever possibly repay…all I can do is worship him! Whatever pain I have endured at the hands of my brothers and sisters (I speak as one who has endured much) it is NOTHING compared with what Christ endured for me…and while I was still his enemy!

Therefore, I have come to this conclusion: Forgiveness is not a “get out of jail free” card for me, but rather because he has released me from jail, how can I not also release others? (the word “forgive” in Greek ‘aphiemi’, meaning “to leave alone/let go/permit”). After all, I have been completely “let go - permitted to leave” from that same prison sentence…rescued from that same pit…a sinner saved by the Lord’s Grace; which makes me a “fellow servant“ under the same Master as my brothers and sisters - including those who hurt me. This is my personal testimony - it may not resonate with everyone. But once I came to understand the “why” of forgiveness, the “how” became much easier. For me, this is about the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of all wisdom: Forgiveness of others is the expression of gratitude, for the debt which he has canceled in my name. (See Luke 23:33-43)