Freeing Self

Built on the foundation of God's love, the clarion call of the Bible is forgiveness. Throughout Israel's history, time after time, they turned away and, time after time, God forgave.  Before Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden fruit, even "before the creation of the world" (Eph 1:3ff) God had made a way for our redemption.  And when the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, he highlighted asking for forgiveness and forgiving others (Matt 6:9-15).

And yet, forgiveness is one of the hardest things for us to do. We say things like "that's unforgivable, there is no excuse for what he did!"  Really?  Was there an excuse for they way Jesus was tried and crucified?  And still, from the cross he cried out, "Father forgive them" (Luke 23:34).   Do you really think you have been injured more than Christ?  Not!

Another very important thing to consider is your own lack of excuse before God. Do you think you could stand before God and offer an excuse for your sins?  Again, not!  On a pragmatic level, why would a person who has an excuse need forgiveness?  The only people we can forgive are those without excuse. An excuse gives us a viable pass. Inexcusable behavior stands in need of forgiveness or it remains condemned. 

The last point I want to make is that the act of not forgiving is self destructive. It causes you to hold the offense close, continuing to cause harm to your spirit, while the unforgiven individual may well not think about the offense at all. Hating someone is a bit like drinking poison and hoping someone else dies. Jesus also warns that God will not forgive those who will not forgive others (Matt 6:9-15).

So, why keep your heart and spirit in bondage?  Why allow Satan to trap you in chains of defeat?  Why not free yourself by letting go of the offense?  Jus' Say'n.