Sunday Drive - Forgiveness

Forgiveness

I just finished reading The Shack by William P. Young for a book club I'm in. It's a very good book, and it's controversial (which I'm not going to get into). Personally, I really enjoyed it and gleaned many truths from it. Since reading it, I felt compelled to share on forgiveness and some quotes from the book that really spoke to me.

This devotional is focusing on forgiving others that have hurt us. The forgiveness we receive from Jesus is perfect in every way. 

1John 1:9 (NLT)
9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

We humans are not as forgiving as Jesus is. Jesus doesn't hold on to grudges or withhold love and compassion. We on the other hand can have a much harder time forgiving those that have hurt us.

"Forgiveness is not about forgetting... It's about letting go of another person's throat."(Young, 2007, pg.224)

Wow! That hit me. When we hold onto unforgiveness we are literally trying to choke the life out of someone. That is not what Christ wants for us. Think about how that unforgiveness is consuming you... your thoughts, actions, emotions.

Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT)
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Ouch! That is not what we want to hear, when we want to feel justified for not forgiving someone. Jesus is quite clear on the matter. We must forgive, it's really not a choice for a Christ follower. No one said it would be easy... Sometimes it's a daily occurrence. Everyday we choose to forgive, until it gets easier.

Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT)
21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” 22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!

Here's another quote...

"Forgiveness is first for you, the forgiver, to release you from something that will eat you alive; that will destroy your joy and your ability to love fully and openly." (Young, 2007 pg. 225)

Unforgiveness is like a cancer. It will destroy as much as it can. Unforgiveness is the complete opposite of the nature of God. His nature is one of love and forgiveness.

"Forgiveness does not establish relationship."(Young, 2007 pg. 225)

The fact that you forgive someone, does not mean you are friends and that a relationship is created. If change is made and trust is established, there may be a future relationship. Your forgiveness of the hurt they caused you releases judgement for you and them.

Our sins are forgiven by Jesus, but not everyone chooses relationship with Him. That is where true forgiveness starts. First, by being forgiven by Jesus, then His presence in you gives you the ability to forgive others.

Colossians 3:12-13 (NLT)
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Blessings,
Lori