The Concept Of Forgiveness.

Forgiveness has become one of the greatest problems in the world today. Everyday, you find years long relationships(marriage and friendship) being destroyed because this quality is lacking. Family members become arch enemies because this quality is no where to be found.

Many losses have been recorded as a result of the absence of this quality. Although the world seeks oblivious of its loss, it’s still affecting the worl d today. There is no genuine peace and joy anywhere. It’s all just pretence and bitterness. However, we the children of God shouldn’t buy into the lifestyle of people of the world.

Forgiveness is compulsory and necessary for all genuine believers. The Scriptures recorded that the prince of this world came to Christ and found no guile in Him. Guile is actually bitterness which originated from unforgiveness. Since we Christians are Christ-like, we should also be guileless. It would help us maintain the Godly nature we’re known for.

What then is forgiveness?

Forgiveness simply means to stop being angry at somebody who has done something to harm, annoy or upset you. It means to pardon a person. It means to allow someone who deserves punishment to go scott free. It can also mean to hold no more resentment or anger towards yourself, a thing or person that hurt you.

Ways Of Achieving Forgiveness.

Not every offence requires a punishment. However, it can lead anger, resentment, malice etc. In a scenario like this, forgiveness is necessary. Until the offended person comes to the point that  his heart is no longer angry at the offender, forgiveness hasn’t been achieved.

1. When the offeneder realizes his mistake and goes to the offended to ask for forgiveness. This is a very quiet way of achieving forgiveness. There is no need for persuasion from any external source. Forgiveness, in this case, is birthed from the remorse of the offender.

2. When the offended on his part, due to his love for God, voluntarily forgives the offender. This is a mature and civilized way of obtaining forgiveness. It also doesn’t required external forces. Neither does it require the apology of the offender.

3. When a third party decides to intervene in reconcile the two parties in question. On this method, there is lots of persuasion and begging.

By whatever means necessary, it’s important that forgiveness is attained. An unpopular truth is that forgiveness does more good to the offended than the offender. The offended will rid himself of all the bitterness and pain that comes with the offence. All of which is harmful to the physical, spiritual and social life of such a person.

The first type of forgiveness is the typical and popularly applicable kind of forgiveness. The second type is the one Jesus did for us. The scripture says; “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”.

St. Matthew 6:14 says; “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (KJV). As long as we show mercy, we’ll obtain mercy.

The third type of forgiveness is examplitied in the book of Philemon. It talks about the reconciloatory move of Paul to end the resentment and anger of Onesimus’ master towards him, Onesimus. We were made to know that Paul in a bid to end the saga made all possible sacrifices I’m order to ensure that Onesimus and his master are reconciled together again.

This is a message to not just leaders of the church but to the body of Christ. It is our duty to ensure that anger and resentment towards each other does not tarry. It i s compulsory to offend each other. We are different people coming together to form a body.

The beauty of the body of Christ is the ability to accept, tolerate and forgive the shortcomings and help each other gwt better daily. Offenses will be committed but it shouldn’t be like that of the people of the world which could take decades. Rather, it should end as quickly as it starts.

We know we have obtained forgiveness from the father not by our effort but by His mercies. It’s a gift. Therefore, we shouldn’t be ungrateful. Rather, we should extend the arm of forgiveness to everyone as sons of the lost high. Sonship is a call to action not a title.

Forgiveness has no limits. Anything and anyone could be forgiven. Matthew 18:21-35 talks about two things. In one of the scenarios, Peter asked Jesus how many times a man can be forgiven. Jesus replied seventy times seven. Indicating that forgiveness is not bound by how many offences but the forgiveness of God upon us.

Next, Jesus told them a parable of a king who wanted to settle his accounts. While checking though, he discovered a servant who owed him ten thousand talents(which is more than 15years labourers wage). OK bringing the servant, he fell to his knees ans begged the king. He was pardoned and went his way.

He went his way to another servant who owed him a hundred denarri(a days wage). He harassed him and threw him in jail despite his pleadings. His fellow servants found out the injustice done and reported to the king. The king, in his anger, commanded that he be thrown into the prison with his household pending the time he can pay off his dept.

This is a clear picture of what unforgiveness looks like. You might be forgiving but let your neighbor also be a forgiver. Be a mediator and a peace maker.

Remember, St. Matthew 5:9 says; “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”(KJV).

Jah’s blessings!
#GrowingInGrace.