Forgiveness: Everyone Needs It; No One Wants to Give It

Forgive as you have been forgiven is the command in the Bible. We have been forgiven much. Our past, present, and future sins all wiped away in the most unpredictable way. The cross and the Son of God. Heavenly Father as the judge condemns us of sin and sentences us to death. Jesus intercepts and takes Father’s wrath onto His body. We are completely and unashamedly forgiven.

When God looks at us, He sees the righteousness of Christ. Behind His perfection lingers our sinful selves still struggling with sin and still receiving His forgiveness. We are being forgiven continually. That’s how we have been “being” forgiven.

So the command is to forgive others who have done us wrong. We would rather eat dirt than forgive. We would rather swallow slimy water than our pride and ask for forgiveness.

It is obvious who this forgiveness is needed for. It is US. Until we release the offender to the perfect Judge who promises to avenge, we are the ones being consumed by the acid inside eating us alive.

A couple of reminders: forgiveness is not condoning the sin committed against us. It is not pretending it never happened. It is not an invitation for more exploitation. Forgiveness is a transaction between God and us. We tell Him, “OK. I’m ready to release this person to you because I’m tired of carrying his sin. Please cancel the sinner’s debts in my heart and cut the strings off that I may be set free.”

Then we are ready to enjoy freedom like never before.

God bless you and your loved ones!

Meryem Kennedy