Forgiveness is Easy to Say
It is easy to tell someone who has been hurt to forgive, however, when you have been hurt it is a different story. Forgiveness is easy to say but sometimes very difficult to do. If you have been hurt and you have been struggling to forgive the person, I understand. I know what it is like to be hurt also. It certainly is not easy to just forgive someone like that, especially when they hurt you deeply. Your natural reaction is that you feel angry and betrayed. You want to get back at them, make them pay, or see them suffer. The problem we struggle with as Christians is Jesus’ teaching about forgiveness. Should we follow his example and forgive those who hurt us? Forgiveness means different things to different people. But in general, it involves an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger.
490 Times a Day
Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:21-22 that we should forgive not just seven times, but seventy times seven. That means 490 times! That sounds impossible, right? How can we forgive someone so many times, especially if they keep hurting us or don’t show any remorse? Is Jesus being unreasonable or unrealistic?
Is Jesus Realistic?
Jesus is showing us the way to true peace and freedom. He is teaching us that forgiveness is not a one-time act, but a continuous attitude of the heart. Forgiveness is not about letting the offender off the hook, but about letting go of our resentment and bitterness. Forgiveness is not about denying the pain or injustice but about healing and moving on. Forgiveness is not about being weak or passive, but about being strong and courageous. Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
Do We Excuse the Wrong Behavior?
Forgiveness does not mean that we condone or excuse the wrong behavior, or that we forget or ignore the harm done. Forgiveness does not mean that we must trust or reconcile with the offender, or that we have to give up our rights or seek justice. Forgiveness means that we release the offender from our anger and revenge and that we entrust them to God’s judgment and mercy. Romans 12:18-19, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,saith the Lord.”
We Must Forgive
Jesus says that we must forgive four hundred and ninety times a day! It’s a number that boggles the mind. How can we possibly forgive someone so frequently, especially if they keep hurting us? It raises the question: Is Jesus setting an unreasonable expectation, or is there a deeper meaning to this teaching?
Jesus’ Teachings on Forgiveness
Forgiveness benefits us in many ways. It frees us from the burden of hatred and bitterness that weighs us down and poisons our relationships. It heals our wounds and restores our joy and peace. It opens our hearts to God’s grace and love. It enables us to grow in compassion and empathy. It empowers us to break the cycle of violence and revenge. It reflects God’s character and glorifies his name. Hebrews 12: 14 “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;”
Forgiveness is not easy, but it is possible with God’s help. Jesus himself forgave those who crucified him, and he gave us His Spirit to enable us to forgive others. We can pray for God’s strength and grace to forgive, and for his healing and comfort for our pain. We can also seek support from others who can help us process our emotions and guide us in our journey of forgiveness. 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Forgiveness is a gift that we can give to ourselves and others. It is a gift that God has given to us through Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again to give us new life. Let us receive this gift with gratitude and share it with generosity.
The truth is we have sinned many times and each time we ask the Lord Jesus to forgive us and He does, Jesus says He will forgive us of our trespasses to the same degree that we forgive others. What Jesus is emphasizing here is not just the act of forgiveness, but the attitude of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not easy, but it is possible with God’s help. Jesus himself forgave those who crucified him, and he gave us His Spirit to enable us to forgive others. We can pray for God’s strength and grace to forgive, and for his healing and comfort for our pain. We can also seek support from others who can help us process our emotions and guide us in our journey of forgiveness. Matthew 6:12, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
How Do We Know?
How do we know that our heart has changed? The Lord is going to create a situation where someone hurts you and you find that the instinct to retaliate has been changed with the choice to forgive. Your reaction is different from what it used to be to similar situations. This teaching of Jesus is a radical departure from the eye for an eye principle. It calls for a kind of love that is patient, that is kind, that keeps no record of wrongs. It’s a love that embodies the very essence of who Jesus is. This teaching challenges us to let go of our desire for revenge and instead, choose the path of forgiveness, no matter how difficult it may be.”
Summarizing the Lesson
“So, what’s the takeaway from this profound teaching?” We’ve learned that Jesus calls us to forgive ceaselessly, even when it defies our natural instincts. He urges us to set aside the bitterness or the desire for revenge that can so easily creep into our hearts. This teaching embodies a radical form of love and mercy, challenging us to rise above our natural tendencies. “In the face of hurt and betrayal, Jesus challenges us to choose forgiveness, to choose love, and to choose mercy. This, perhaps, is the most difficult, yet the most transformative lesson on forgiveness.”
A Personal Test of Forgiveness
“But how do we apply this in our daily lives?” you may ask. Well, it starts with small steps and Prayer. Remember that one person who hurt you deeply? Perhaps it’s an old friend who betrayed you, a colleague who spread rumors about you, or even a family member who let you down, it could also be your spouse. Instead of holding onto that pain, take a deep breath and say in your heart, “I forgive you.” It won’t be easy, and it certainly won’t happen overnight, but it’s the first step towards embodying the radical love that Jesus preached. Once you’ve taken this step, share your experience with others. Encourage them to do the same. Together, we can create a ripple effect of forgiveness and healing.