The Rhythm of Forgiveness

Forgiveness. I love to receive it, but at times I struggle to give it. As CS Lewis said, ‘Forgiveness is a beautiful idea until we have to practice it’. You may be familiar with the part of the Lord’s prayer that says “forgive us, as we forgive others”. Until recently, it hasn’t dawned on me that when Jesus talks about forgiveness in several places in the bible, (Matthew 6:14-15, Mark 11:25, Luke 6:37, Ephesians 4:32 Colossians 3:13)  it seems that forgiveness is mentioned with some terms and conditions… “Forgive others, and your heavenly father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your father will not forgive your sins”.  

I’m not a huge fan of this condition, because I can think of a whole list of people that don’t deserve or need my forgiveness! I’m sure you can think of your own examples of people that feel impossible or unnecessary to forgive? 

It can feel like a cruel command that God gives us, to expect us to forgive others, in order to receive our forgiveness. But in fact, it isn’t a cruel command, it is God’s way of giving us a lifeline. In her book “Forgiving what you can’t forget” (which I really recommend, by the way!) Lysa TerKeurst describes Forgiveness as God’s provision of healing for the parts of my heart that are hurting.  

When God forgives us, it heals us and helps us. When we choose to let go of hurt, offense, anger and pain by forgiving others, it helps and heals us. So whether it’s in the receiving or giving of forgiveness, it is a good thing; designed to help and heal us! 

If you feel unequipped to forgive someone who’s deeply hurt you, read the words of Ephesians 4:32 again “Forgive one another just as God has forgiven you”. God equipped you and enabled you to forgive others, when He first forgave you. We’re able to forgive others because God has forgiven us. Forgiven people can forgive people.  

Forgiveness is a hard process – but it is possible, and the reward is great, help and healing is on the horizon when we let God forgive us, and when we release that forgiveness to others.  

Questions: 

1. Who are the hardest people to forgive? 

2. What do you think of Jesus’ request that we should forgive others?  

3. How have you experienced forgiveness and what did it feel like? 

4. What is holding you back from releasing forgiveness to someone who has hurt you? 

5. What might God be saying to you today through todays bible verse (Matthew 6:14-15)