Forgiveness- Easier Said than Done

Have you ever said “I’ll forgive ya but I won’t forget it!” I have. But does that hold with what Christ has told us to do? I mean if I can forgive but remember what was done, did I really forgive? How many times must I let somebody do something that may seem to take advantage of me and give them my forgivness?

Jesus was pretty clear when He answered Peter’s question in Matthew18:21-35. Peter had the same issues and questions that many of us have. Wanting to be right--and let everybody else know that we were. But the legal right was that you could forgive three times, after that you could withhold forgiveness. So Peter seemed to be going overboard, doubling what was required.

What are our motives for forgiving? Is it to make ourselves feel better? Maybe, to be perceived as a really good person who is more “Christian” than others and put it out there to be shown. Jesus stomped that in the dirt. Yes, Jesus often put the outward actions of disciples on the forefront. But most of the time He was more concerned with the inward motive of the individual.

Jesus answers Peter with a parable. A servant who owes an incredible amount of money is forgiven his debt, only to turn around and hold a neighbor accountable for some small amount compared to what he was forgiven. The ruler finds out and has him thrown in jail. Why?

It’s not about how many times you forgive someone, or how great the amount. Its about your attitude. Forgiveness is about your attitude. What should that be you ask?

Thankfulness.

Thankfulness that you are ABLE to forgive because you yourself have been forgiven an offense WAY bigger than any offense than anybody could EVER come close to doing to you.

When you were forgiven at the instant of saving faith, a debt was paid that was un-imaginably above your ability to pay that to be able to forgive a small offense, no matter what should come with ease.

Be thankful that we serve a Saviour so wonderful that we have been given the opportunity to be those who get to demonstrate on earth what God in heaven has done for us. When that person asks you why are you doing this, you can say, “Because the one who forgave me told me to and He wants you to know that He will forgive you too.”

Be forgiving….just as you have been forgiven.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Aaron "Tree" Landis
Psalm 1.3