the heart of the matter

Last post I talked about trademarks identifying certain things. Nike swooshes and golden arches are something almost the whole world recognizes. A christian ought to be identified two ways..........forgiveness and love. We looked at love and how as Christ followers, we can't allow ourselves to be characterized only by what we're against.

Forgiveness is another trademark that must be a distinction among those of the Way. In a world of backbiting, getting even, bitterness, and grudges, we are commanded by our saviour to follow His example and walk in forgiveness.

Forgiveness in our society is unfortunately looked at as a sign of weakness. Nothing could be further from the truth. Forgiving someone takes a faith, courage, and conviction that is next to impossible but by the grace of God.

The reason we get so angry and upset when people wrong us is because a debt has been incurred. Something has been taken from us and human nature tells you that retribution must be made. (They OWE me) Maybe someone took your good name, your innocence, or your heart. I remember a young person confiding in me that he hated his father for leaving him and his mom when he was a child. The pain and hurt in his voice was heartbreaking. He looked me in the eyes and told me he could never forgive his dad and he wanted him to pay. I kept thinking to myself, even if your dad said he was sorry, you'll never get those years back that your dad was gone. How could he ever get back those years of neglect? The lie of hell is that forgiveness will let the person of the hook, when the reality is that it's the only way you will ever be free.


Forgiveness is simply releasing a person from the debt that we feel they owe. It involves trusting that God will one day right all wrongs and us hanging on to bitterness and anger is a trap that will ultimately ruin us.
Forgiveness does NOT mean that what they did didn't hurt you, that you should trust that person again, or that you have to be best buds now. It means you refuse to allow the things someone may have done to you in your past, dictate your future.
It's a decision, not a feeling. Trust that feeling will eventually follow, but forgiveness is always an act of faith first.

Never was this displayed more lovingly then when Jesus hung on the cross. Everything about this was wrong. The innocent, spotless son of God, nailed naked to a tree. I'm sure the angels were looking at their leader from heaven and wondering if He would say the word so they could show up with swords drawn by the millions. Instead, Jesus, for the joy set before Him, asked His Father to forgive them, for they know not what they do.........It doesn't get anymore powerful than that.

Ephesians 4:31-32

31 "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

Romans 12:19

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,
says the Lord.



this easter season reflect on the grace God has shown to you in Jesus, and allow it to change how you see forgiveness.