Perspectives

Forgiveness is a huge issue that everyday people and everyday Christians have wrestled with from the very beginning of human history. The Bible is no exception and has some very powerful insights into our on -going struggle to have a forgiving spirit and “hold no grudge” attitude.

Even Jesus’ disciples faced struggles with this issue; otherwise why would Peter have asked Jesus the question … Matthew 18:21-22 … 21) Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22) Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.(NKJ)

Perhaps Jesus is teaching us what is meant by forgiving those who have done hurtful things to us. I must admit that there have been times when I wished that Peter never asked Christ that question. Now it is up to me to try to find the true meaning of forgiveness. That is tough to do because it usually means I have to change my way of thinking.

The gospel of Luke chapter 22 is a must read for us to get a better or deeper understanding of the meaning of forgiveness. Jesus is coming to grips with what I believe is his human side. Satan is attacking Christ … Luke 22:41-44 … 41) And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42) saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” 43) Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44) And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (NKJ)

On the Mount of Olives Jesus went to fight a lonely battle that only He could fight. At the age of 33 He knew that He was about to die on a cross. I am sure that He had seen people put to death by crucifixion before this night. It is possible that fears pierced His heart; but the love He had in His heart for lost humanity was more powerful than the fear of the cross. This moment in time was the turning point in the life of Jesus. There is no doubt it would have been possible for Christ to say no to the cross. He also knew that sorrow was the price that He had to pay for the love He had in His heart for us. The salvation of the world was in His hands and so He sweated it out in that lonely garden; He talked with God and said, “Your will be done.” He won the battle and came out the victor

It is hard not to feel the anguish, the torture and grief that Jesus endured. I kind of think I would be asking, “Why me? What have I done? Why should I forgive them if they do not even acknowledge me? Why, Lord, do you want me to go to the cross and die for them?”  But, then look at verse 43 … An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. Today the Holy Spirit will come to strengthen us when we cry out to God to have the power to forgive and not to hold a grudge even if the person who has wronged us thinks that there is no need on his part to make things right.

How do I respond when someone comes to seek forgiveness? How do I respond when I have been told not to try to reach out to a person with a bitter attitude? How do I behave when I am blamed for something that I did not do? How do I respond when everyone else wants to do things exactly opposite from what I want to do? Do I just go my stubborn way regardless of the cost to others? Or, do I wait there with open arms to help those who are being taken advantage of? Many questions, but no easy answers …

Scripture, in fact, teaches that the one offering forgiveness should take the initiative towards restoration. But, again, that is when I say to myself, enough is enough. I shall not forgive this person. However, my conscience pokes me and the thought comes to my mind, what did Jesus do? He went to the cross so that I, a sinner, could have eternal life … never to remember my sin … after I sought His forgiveness. That means full forgiveness is demonstrative, it’s unreserved, there are no strings attached. It is not simply something we say, it is something we do. With the help of the Holy Spirit we too can forgive. We, too, can have a hold- no- grudge attitude, never forgetting that we must forgive, because Christ forgave us

Would you pray this prayer with me … “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my hearts desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen