Nothing in the Christian life is more important than forgiveness: our forgiveness of others and God’s forgiveness of us. ~ John McArthur 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 wanted a virgin, unfettered relationship with you and me so badly that he sent Jesus to pay the price for all sins forever and to redeem us from all guilt and condemnation. Instead, the apostle Paul explained that … ‘[because] of Him are you in Christ Jesus, who [by] God has made us wisdom, justice, sanctification, and redemption ‘(I Cor. 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 life to the full (see John 10:10 AMP). Being redeemed means regaining possession in exchange for payment. Jesus provided the payment; and we become children of God, joint heirs with Christ. That is an incredible transaction!

Have you seen the show, Pawn Stars? People go into the store to get rid of the things they no longer want. The pawn broker hopes that someone will show up 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 wants to take you home! He pays the price and you go with Him, free. There are no old debts to pay. This person does not know your history, so you get a new life without luggage.

That is what it means to be recreated in Christ Jesus! God redeemed him and transferred him to His residence. The bible says we sit [rest, abide and dwell] ‘in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus’ (Ephesians 2: 6).

Bless, my soul, the LORD, and do not forget any of his benefits: he who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your ailments; That redeems your life from destruction; that crowns you with mercy 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 – standing with God, because every interaction with Him is in Christ, from Christ, and through Christ. As a redeemed and born again child of God, he “remembers our sins no more.” He threw them “as far as the east is from the west.” His mercy and forgiveness are “new every morning.” Our sins, mistakes and mistakes are not only forgiven, they are forgotten.

God doesn’t care what we’ve 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 led them to become His voice for the ages!

On the Cross, as 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 chose to forgive, despite the agony in his body and mind.

Total forgiveness and redemption is the privilege of accepting life in Christ Jesus. But here’s the catch … He expects us to do the same!

Support each other and forgive the grievances they may have against each other. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13 NIV)

No matter how personal it feels, the Bible says so: whatever ‘it’ we are dealing with, it is ‘common to man’. The temptation to hold a grudge and unforgiveness is the devil’s way of keeping us in confusion. It sets us up to be upset! Don’t bite the hook.

Therefore, I beg you to restore him to your affections and assure you of your love for him; … to prevent Satan from gaining an advantage over us; because we do not ignore 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 intention is to keep us bound and ineffective. God promised to forgive us and free us from any bondage – mental, physical, spiritual, financial, or social. 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: feed our pain or our trust in God for healing and restoration (v. 20).

Either way, what we keep thinking and saying will govern our results. Are we willing to forgive, trusting that God will protect and redeem us? Or are we going to sacrifice the freedom that Jesus gave us by binding ourselves to anger, pain, and unforgiveness.

And be kind to one another, merciful, forgiving one another, as God forgave you through Christ. (Ephesians 4:32).

Forgiveness is a privilege, a responsibility … and a decision. Forgiveness frees us from anguish and mental and emotional confusion. Do you think Jesus felt like saying, ‘Forgive them’ when His body was beaten beyond recognition by the very soldiers He prayed for? Yet it did. Can we say, as He did: “Father, you know how hurt I am, but I surrender all my worries and pain to You, trusting that You can bring the redemption and healing I need. I choose to forgive that person and I ask You may you also bring blessing and redemption to their lives. “

God forgave us all, including the people who hurt us. Now, He asks us to forgive them too, so that He is free to work on 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 the bear. What will you choose?

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *