The Forgiveness Factor

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“He who is devoid of the power to forgive, is devoid of the power to love.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Forgiveness.  Easier said than done.

For some, forgiveness is often a difficult thing to accomplish.  It is often referred to as the “unnatural act.” Yet, as believers in Jesus, our faith is predicated and built on the ultimate act of forgiveness – the Cross.  Even Jesus, while being crucified, made the statement, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.”  (Luke 23:34) The truth is that He first forgave us.  If you consider yourself a follower of Christianity, then you have experienced Heaven’s forgiveness.

We often find it easy to tell people to let go and let God.  Obviously, this sounds so easy to do.  But when placed in real context and in real lives, it can get messy.  How do you tell a wife to forgive her husband who has mistreated her for years?  How do you tell a teenager to forgive his parent for walking out on their life? How do you tell people to simply act like nothing has happened?  When I was younger, I had resentment towards my father.  During some turbulent years in our family, he neglected us for his personal addictions.  I felt I had every right to be angry, mad, and upset.  I wanted some type of justice and I felt that if I kept what he did in my heart, he wouldn’t be able to hurt me anymore.  However, the work of the Spirit in my heart would not let those feelings stay imprisoned, and I am grateful.  Eventually, I forgave my father with tears and we were reconciled.  In that moment, I learned that forgiveness is often hard for a believer to process, yet it is definitely a part of the believer’s process. 

Forgiveness is one of the greatest weapons and tools a believer possesses.  We sometimes think that if we forgive, we may be considered weak and passive.  Let me give you a different perspective.  Forgiveness takes courage and it is a door into the power of Christ.  Pastor Sergio de la Mora of California stated, “Our lives become open testimonies to the world that His message of reconciliation is real.”  In moments of forgiveness, we are displaying the character of Christ more than any other time in our lives.

Here is something else to think about:  when you forgive, you give God permission to act on your behalf.  Hebrews 10:30 declares that “…it is mine to avenge; I will repay.”  The Lord is just, and He knows exactly how to handle it properly.  When we try to take matters into our own hands, we often make it worse.  Forgiving allows God to move in your favor.  Let God bring justice into your life.  God sees every wrong that is being done to you, and He is going pay you back in abundance.  Revenge is not part of a believer’s business.  Let Heaven take care of it.

Lastly, forgiveness sets you free.  When I forgave my father, I was set free in my heart.  I felt freedom to love and embrace him again.  Forgiveness is a choice.  Make a decision to allow the Spirit of God to clear out your heart of any grudges or bitterness.  It may take time, but His love will prevail.  Forgive, and be free.

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“When I wasyounger, I had resentment towards my father…I felt I had every right to be angry, mad, and upset.”