Forgiveness Is Not...Once and Done

  By: Lauren Thomas

“as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”

Psalm 103:12 ESV

To forgive and forget is the prerogative of an infinite God. But we, as finite humans, lack such capacity. We fail to forget, though we may succeed in forgiving. This is why Peter sought to ascertain the limit to necessary forgiveness in Matthew 18:21. When Peter asked this question, Jesus’ response highlighted that though we may be limited in capacity, God requires that our forgiveness be limitless.

 

Because we cannot forget, we must again forgive.

 

If we view forgiveness as a single event, we may struggle to achieve it. We may put off attempting it. We may ignore or deny the needfulness of it. We may feel discouraged when we once again feel pangs of bitterness. After thinking we had successfully done with it, we feel disappointment when reminders renew our pain. Seeing forgiveness as a single event can sabotage the process.

 

Because we cannot forget, we must again forgive.

 

The deeper the hurt, the more frequently we may need to engage in the process of forgiveness. The older the wounds, the more frequently we may need to forgive. The hurts received from those who were meant to love and protect us, those we must forgive more frequently.

 

Because we are unable to cast the wrongs committed against us as far as the Lord can, they tend to creep back toward us from time to time. By viewing forgiveness, not as an event, but as a daily cross to pick up, we can find freedom from bitterness and unforgiveness.

 

Because we cannot forget, we must again forgive.

 

Unlimited forgiveness is the prerogative of the Christian. Let me remind you, Christian, in Jesus, you have eternal life. By God extending his infinite forgiveness toward you, you have received infinite ability to forgive others just as He forgave you.

 

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:32 ESV

 

Reflection:

Because you have received forgiveness, how can you extend that forgiveness to someone in your life? What do you usually do when you forgive but are unable to “forget”? Are there any hurts you have not yet forgiven?

 

Next week, check back for ways to engage in the process of forgiveness.