Forgiveness – Are You Harboring Unforgiveness?

In Isaiah 1:18, we read, “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool if you will obey me.” As believers, our many sins, are forgiven, washed away by the blood of Jesus, but we do live in a fallen world, and we daily face hurt and offense by the words and deeds of others – neglect, abuse, violence, betrayal, slander, cruel remarks. These offenses often result in bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness and if we don’t do something, these feelings will penetrate our hearts and paralyze us.   

Are you harboring unforgiveness? If you are harboring unforgiveness, it is much like drinking poison and expecting the offending individual to die. It never works! Unforgiveness keeps us in bondage and hinders us from living the abundant life God wants for us. The challenge is that we have the wrong idea about forgiveness. Forgiveness isn’t minimizing the offense we’ve experienced, but rather letting go of the offense so we aren’t robbed of our freedom. Forgiveness doesn’t require reconciliation with the offending party, after all the offender may not be ready to reconcile.

In Colossians 3:13, Paul writes, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

Why forgive others? So, we can be free! Consider this, reconciliation requires two people, forgiveness only requires one person. Reconciliation is only possible when the offender repents, offers restitution, and rebuilds trust. Remember, forgiveness is not forgetting. We don’t have to forget to forgive, but God brings healing to our hearts, making all things new, so we can remember without reliving the pain of the offense.

Just as God forgives us though we don’t deserve it, we can forgive others who offend us though they may not deserve it. Forgives is for our good, for our freedom, and as challenging as it may seem to forgive, Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:13, we can forgive because we can do everything through Christ, who gives us strength. May we harness the power of forgiveness this week, realizing it does not make us doormats, but rather gives us victory and freedom in Christ.