Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13
Forgiveness is key to the Christian walk. True forgiveness is rarely easy, but it is always healing. As Christians we are called to forgive as Christ forgave us. Forgiveness is much more than something that we have to do, it is a gift that frees us and the body of Christ from the weight that the consequences of sin bring. I want to explore the three reasons and ways that we forgive.
#1 We forgive for our own peace.
This forgiveness is the most necessary of the three. If someone has wronged us, we must start the process of forgiving their wrong against us no matter who they are. This frees us from the weight of their sin and begins to bring peace and restoration in our hearts. Confrontation is not always needed for this to happen. This may take one prayer or countless prayers, but over time our heart is freed.
#2 We forgive for the good of the one who wronged us.
Ideally, it would be great to see the person who wronged us admit, apologize, and ask for forgiveness. Sadly, this is not always possible. Whether it be due to the person being gone, or due to a disagreement about who is in the wrong, or even a refusal to repent, our forgiveness does not always lead to the betterment of the one who wronged us. However, in many cases, a biblical confrontation of the person leads to incredible healing and restoration. Many of us will not ever reach this step with some of our wrongdoers for many different reasons, but if you do feel God leading your heart to confront and forgive a fellow Christian, trust the Holy Spirit's direction.
#3 We forgive for the good of the Church
Bitterness and resentment from not forgiving brothers and sisters in Christ cause countless divisions among us. We move at the speed of trust. Unforgiven and unresolved wrongs create and environment of distrust and hinder our ability to move forward together. We must forgive each other for the good of the Body of Christ so that we can better pursue God together in unity.
Pray with me for the Spirit to search our hearts and see if there is anyone we need to forgive. Lean in with me and have a good attitude as we seek to mirror Christ's example of incredible forgiveness.