“If you have anything against anyone, forgive them”
...it pretty much includes everything and everyone and leaves no room for exceptions.
Who is the one who is imprisoned and tortured in Matthew 18, but the one who did not forgive?
Those who wronged us have moved on, not even thinking about their harm and destruction. It is us who toil over the transgression. We, in unforgiveness imprison ourselves and torture ourselves until we forgive. We do this to ourselves. It is the sentence imposed upon us through our own choice, until we choose to forgive. We chose that result. However! When we forgive, we are released from our own prison and torture.
It has been said that unforgiveness is like drinking poison, hoping the other person dies.
What is forgiveness?
The best definition I’ve heard;
“Forgiveness is releasing someone from the debt, or obligation they owe you when they harmed you.”
Yeah, but who will pay the price for the harm against me?
I will.
It is ALWAYS the one who is harmed that pays the price to reconcile the relationship.
Look at the cross.
We sinned against God.
He and He alone could only pay the price for what I’ve done against Him.
He, innocent and harmed, paid the ultimate price to restore our relationship with Him.
He is our example in this matter.
Just “...as God in Christ Jesus forgave you.”
Bitterness, wrath and malice must be replaced with kindness and tenderheartedness. This is the work part assigned to us This is the answer to; “yeah but how do I DO that?” Recognize that you too need forgiveness, see them in that light and show love, kindness and tenderheartedness. Love is not a feeling, it is work (hard work) and humility. Release them from their debt and obligation to you when they harmed you.
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” EPH 4:30-32
...not directed at you personally metmom
I know it wasn’t meant personally, that *you* is the generic you.
Also great insight. Thanks.
Added note to
“It is ALWAYS the one who is harmed that pays the price to reconcile the relationship.”
Human relationships are not always restored.
My view of the two most important character traits in following Jesus are humility and forgiveness.
Humility to say; “I was wrong.” To understand that others also make mistakes.
Forgiveness to give to others what we also need.
But humans are not God.
God embraces us in our humility to Him. God is love.
Humans may not have love and therefore relationship may never be restored.
This restoration is not within our control, however, our own forgiveness releases us from our own prison and allows God to do His work in the matter.
While we cannot compel others to humility, we have our own responsibilities clearly told to us. In this is peace and joy for ourselves in our walk with He who loves us.
Count me among those who, like the publican, cry for mercy.