Forgiveness is the act of pardoning or releasing someone from an offense, wrongdoing, or debt. At the moment someone sins against me, it’s important that I forgive them and let the matter go. When I forgive, the matter is transferred to God, and the offender must deal directly with the Lord, and the Lord with him. By faith, I have fulfilled what the Lord requires of me. To ruminate on the offense only relives it in my mind and enflames my emotions which, if not controlled, can neutralize my ability to think and reason biblically. Forgiveness, at its core, transcends the realm of emotions and operates by faith in God and His Word. It is a conscious decision to align with God’s will, even when my feelings urge me otherwise.
Forgiveness often comes from a place of pain. Remember, it was while Jesus was on the cross, suffering and dying, that He forgave those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Jesus’ persecutors were not asking for His forgiveness, and they certainly did not deserve it. By His actions on the cross, Jesus modeled the love He taught His disciples, saying, “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28).
As Christians, when we extend forgiveness to others, we mirror the grace shown to us by God, “for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men” (Luke 6:35). As Christians, we “forgive each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Eph 4:32). In Ephesians 4:32, the word “forgive” translates the Greek word charizomai (χαρίζομαι), which means “to give freely as a favor” or “to give graciously.” It means we operate in love and grace and are inclined to forgive others without their deserving it. It is a high mark for a believer to forgive graciously, for “it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense” (Prov 19:11b).
Forgiveness leaves justice for God to administer. Jesus, while He was on the cross and being attacked, did not retaliate. Peter wrote, “while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Pet 2:23). When suffering unjustly, we are to look to the Lord, and “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Rom 12:19). We believe that God will administer justice in His time and way. Paul wrote, “it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you” (2 Th 1:6). It’s okay to be hurt, but never to hate, or retaliate.
Forgiveness benefits us personally, for holding onto bitterness only corrodes our souls, poisoning our own lives while leaving the object of our resentment untouched. Paul wrote, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Eph 4:31-32). Others may not understand, appreciate, or welcome the forgiveness we give, but God understands, and that’s all that matters.
When hurt feelings rise high, faith must rise higher, seeking God’s will above all else, and serving as a conduit of His love and grace to others, even those who hate us and seek our harm. The apostle Paul said, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Rom 12:14), and “when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure” (1 Cor 4:12). Peter wrote, “Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing” (1 Pet 3:9). This is God’s love unbound, overflowing in a liberated heart, unleashed for blessing, and uncontrolled by the hatred and bitterness of others.
Ultimately, forgiveness isn’t a passive act; rather, it’s a radical stance that contradicts and defies the values of the world, is divine in origin, and embraces the transformative power of God’s love in a heart set free. And it’s a journey of faith, obedience, and liberation—a journey that leads us closer to the heart of God, the love of Christ, and the fullness of a mature spiritual life.
Dr. Steven R. Cook
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