Forgiveness

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32

Forgiveness is one of the most selfless acts a person can do. Jesus gave himself as a sacrifice, forgiving all our sins. We forget that we actually hurt Jesus because of our sin. I believe there came a moment on the cross when Jesus literally bore all sin. I think it was at that moment when Jesus said, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). All the sins of the world caused our Father to look away for a moment, even from his precious Son. He cannot look on sin, even if it meant forsaking his own for a time. But this was all God's plan. Jesus knew it, even though it was painful. But the reward was great. All sin was forgiven. The Bible says that "Love covers over a multitude of sin." The Father's love for his Son and us could not be interrupted. Jesus was resurrected and now sits at the right hand of the Father. What incredible forgiveness is ours!
    There are times when we can do no more than ask God to forgive us. There is no excuse for our sin and we cannot appeal based on our own righteousness. Sometimes our sin gets in the way of a pure relationship with God. We must throw ourselves on his mercy. There are a few one or two word prayers that are incredibly powerful. One of those is: "Forgive me!" When a heart cries out from a great need, God hears.
    We can be sure that God will forgive us. In fact, it has already been accomplished at the cross. This doesn't mean that we don't have to ask, we do. Although Jesus already died for our sin, if it goes unconfessed and unresolved, there will be a separation from God. We must apply his forgiveness to our sin. This is the reason for our prayers. There should never be a question in our minds as to whether he will forgive us. There is no sin that he will not cover, no sin big enough that his love is not bigger. Do not labor under the lie that you cannot be forgiven or that you are too deep in sin. God knows you and he will forgive. Ask him.
    We ought to forgive each other as well. In our own flesh, this is difficult. We harbor ill will, anger, and hurt toward those who have offended us. But the forgiveness of Christ has empowered us to forgive others. We must, not only because it is the right thing to do, but because of our love for God. He set the example. If he would forgive us for our lifetime of sin, how could we not forgive others who have offended or hurt us? We've talked about God's grace, now let's talk about ours. We must extend the same love and grace to others that we have received from God. Our love for them will also cover over the sin. We must lay the flesh aside. We must get beyond the hurt and anger. We must forgive as Christ forgave us. True forgiveness is powerful. It has brought you and me eternal life. It will breathe life into broken relationships. It will change lives.