Forgiveness.

Forgiveness is central to the biblical message, promoting reconciliation, compassion, and the transformative power of God’s grace. The Bible emphasizes forgiveness as a fundamental aspect of Christian faith. In both the Old and New Testaments, God is portrayed as merciful and forgiving, encouraging believers to seek forgiveness and extend it to others. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ teaches the importance of forgiving others, as seen in the Lord’s Prayer, where believers ask for forgiveness as they forgive those who trespass against them. 

So, why forgive? I found good responses to this question at biblehub.com.

• Forgiving relinquishes negative feelings, gives room to replace with compassion and goodwill
• Is essential in our relationship with God
• Mirrors God’s character
• Jesus endured grave injustice yet chose a path of grace
• Forgiveness offers healing and restoration
• Gives liberation from bitterness
• Is obedience to divine command

While thousands of people watched the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, all eyes and ears were on his lovely wife Erika as she made her way to the podium, taking her place in front of watchful and discerning hearts blazing with questions, one in particular I imagine–”will she forgive the young man who murdered her husband?” Surely, as a woman made a widow in a few sharp seconds along with becoming a single mother to two young children, she had every right to embrace anger and wear it as a badge. But, in what has now become the focus of conversations and social media posts, Erika forgave. Why did she and how was she able to do so soon after her husband’s unjust murder? She did so with Christ’s example, His strength, His command.

If anyone knew the horrible effects of injustice it was Christ Himself. Tried in unfair circumstances He soon was mocked, tortured, and put to death in horrific and humiliation on a Roman cross. Yet, in His humility, sacrifice, and purpose, He asked His Father to forgive the very ones responsible for all that He endured.

Corrie Ten Boom writes of a time she was faced with whether to offer forgiveness. She and her sister–Dutch Christians–were imprisoned by the Nazis for aiding and assisting Jews during World War II. Sister Betsy eventually died while in captivity, causing Corrie to become very embittered toward the German soldiers, one in particular who was their overseer. Years after her release and returning to life, she describes being at a function where from across the room she recognized a man. Every negative emotion known to man rose up inside her as she continued looking at him. But something changed as she contemplated her situation. She knew in her spirit that God was telling her to forgive him. I don’t recall her exact words as she approached him (I read her book years ago) but I do remember that “when” she began to offer her forgiveness, and was able to engage with him in conversion, in turn he had opportunity to “ask” for her forgiveness because he had become a Christian and understood the effects of his past sins. In their example, it’s clear that by relinquishing their anger, compassion and goodwill indeed triumphed over evil.

Personally, I’ve had my own numerous challenges where it’s been necessary to forgive someone who has wronged me or a loved one. Some of my forgiving has been done with kicking and screaming much like a toddler throwing a tantrum. Others have come easier. Both are blanketed with the comfort knowing I’m striving to keep my relationship with God authentic for the benefit of myself and anyone “watching” my walk of faith.

Forgiveness is a very broad topic and one worthy of teaching, bringing understanding to the body of Christ. It’s a key component of Judeo Christian theology and often misunderstood by those living under secular influences. It’s powerful and it’s mysterious when put into practice. It’s necessary as we all encounter injustice, being hurt emotionally, spiritually, or physically. No, forgiving is not easy, but receive hope in this–choosing to forgive as an act of obedience keeps you in a right relationship with God. The one who hurt you is now released to God’s care for their own redemptive work. And while you may not “feel” completely joyful or happy once you’ve offered forgiveness, your emotions will soon change and catch up to your obedient heart.

How do I know this? As I’ve said, I’ve had to live out this command of obedience more times than I anticipated, but God was and continues to be faithful, rewarding me with a vibrant relationship with Him.

“Forgiveness is setting the prisoner free, only to find out that the prisoner was me” (corrie Ten Boom)

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