The privilege and responsibility of forgiveness
Nothing in the Christian life is more important than forgiveness: our forgiveness of others and God’s forgiveness of us. ~John MacArthur Jr.
The concept of forgiveness is a basic privilege and responsibility in the life of a Christian. First, we understand that God forgave us for everything: past, present and future. He so wanted an intact and unrestricted relationship with you and me that he sent Jesus to pay the price for all sin for all time, and to redeem us from all guilt and condemnation. Instead, the Apostle Paul explained that…'[because] of Him are you in Christ Jesus, who of [by] God has been made unto us wisdom, justice, sanctification, and redemption’ (I Corinthians 1:30).
First, He redeemed us from the curse (Galatians 3:13), the effects of the devil’s tactics and lies. Satan deceived Adam and Eve, bringing doubt and death to the world. But Jesus came so that we may have and enjoy a more abundant life (see John 10:10 NIV). To be redeemed means to recover possession in exchange for a payment. Jesus provided the payment; and we become children of God, joint-heirs with Christ. That’s an amazing deal!
Have you seen the show, Pawn Stars? People come into the store to get rid of things they no longer want. The lender waits for someone to come along who is willing to redeem it. For a moment, think of yourself as an item in a pawn shop, perhaps thrown away by family members, or let go by a former boss, or rejected by someone else who hurt you. Then someone walks into the store and sees you. That person recognizes how special you are and he wants to take you home! He pays the price and you go out with him, free. There are no old debts to pay. This person doesn’t know your story, so you get a new life with no baggage attached.
That is what it means to be recreated in Christ Jesus! God redeemed you and moved you into his residence. The Bible says that we sit [rest, abide and dwell] ‘in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus’ (Eph 2:6).
Bless, my soul, the Lord, and do not forget all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies; (Ps. 103:2-4).
In that Psalm, David reminds us of the benefits that God provides. The first one he listed is forgiveness! Isn’t it amazing? We receive righteousness – being right with God, because every interaction with Him is in Christ, of Christ, and through Christ. As a redeemed, born-again child of God, He ‘remembers our sins no more.’ He cast them “as far as the east is from the west.” His mercy and forgiveness are ‘new every morning’. Our sins, mistakes and faults are not only forgiven, they are forgotten.
God does not care what we have done. After all, the Bible was written primarily by murderers: Moses and David in the Old Testament, the Apostle Paul in the New. He forgave them all and guided them to become his voice through the centuries!
On the Cross, while the Roman guards played at his feet, Jesus said: Father, forgive them; Because they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34). Jesus thing to forgive, despite the agony in his body and mind.
Full forgiveness and redemption is the privilege of accepting life in Christ Jesus. But here’s the problem… He expects us to do the same!
Bear with each other and forgive any grievances you may have against each other. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Col 3:13 NIV)
No matter how personal it feels, the Bible says so: whatever ‘it’ we are dealing with, is ‘common to man.’ The temptation to harbor grudges and unforgiveness is the devil’s way of keeping us confused. He prepares us to get angry! Don’t take the bait.
I beg you, then, to restore your affections to him and assure him of your love for him… so that Satan does not take advantage of us; because we are not ignorant of their tricks and intentions (2 Corinthians 2:8, 11).
That verse was written by the Apostle Paul to members of the Corinthian church who had ostracized one of Paul’s ministers and friends for some perceived offense. He recognized that forgiveness and love prevent the devil from gaining any advantage. Satan’s intent is to keep us bound and ineffective. God promised to forgive us and free us from any mental, physical, spiritual, financial or social ties. Forgiveness allows his Word, his promises, to work more effectively in our lives and circumstances.
Jesus explained that affliction and persecution arise to steal the Word and its power from our lives. We are tempted to be offended (Mark 4:17). At that point, we have a choice: nurture our pain or trust God to heal and restore us (v. 20).
Either way, what we keep thinking and saying will govern our results. Are we willing to forgive, trusting God to protect and redeem us? Or are we going to sacrifice the freedom that Jesus gave us by binding ourselves to anger, pain and unforgiveness?
Be kind to one another, merciful, forgiving one another, just as God forgave you in Christ. (Ephesians 4:32).
Forgiveness is a privilege, a responsibility… and a choice. Forgiving frees us from mental and emotional anguish and confusion. Do you think Jesus felt like saying, ‘Forgive them’ when his body was beaten beyond recognition by the very soldiers he prayed for? However, he did it. Can we say, as He did, “Father, You know how hurt I am, but I am releasing all my worries and pain onto You, trusting that You can bring the redemption and healing I need. I choose to forgive that person and I ask you to bring blessing and redemption to their lives as well.”
God forgave all of us, including the people who hurt us. Now, He asks us to forgive them too, so that He is free to work in their lives and ours. Our prayers on behalf of the offender give God a door to bring healing and redemption into that person’s life…and show his grace, favor and mercy in ours. What will you choose?