It’s no secret that the bible talks a good bit about forgiveness. One of the first verses that comes to mind when I think of forgiveness isn’t even the most popular ones, which I’ll get to, but the one that speaks to the importance, power, and impact of forgiveness, specifically when it comes to our sin and the One who can provide it.
In Mark 2:7 the scribes said of Jesus after he told a man that his sins were forgiven, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” It wasn’t the miracles he was performing in that exact moment, nor the teachings, but the act of forgiving someone of their sins. An authority that is God’s and God’s alone. We know that this is one of the things that separated Christ and pointed to the validity of his claim that he is the son of God. It goes on to say in verses 8-10, 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” Now of course Jesus demonstrated his power in many ways during his ministry, maybe none as powerful as his authority to forgive people of their sins. And although we don’t have the power or authority to forgive people of their sins, we do have the power and authority to forgive others of wrongs they have committed against us or others. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Think about it, how often do we get caught up on what someone might have said that was hurtful to us or someone we love? How often do we hold on to things for weeks, months, and maybe years that cause us to distance ourselves from someone or hold a grudge that puts a wedge in our relationships due to lack of forgiveness? How about more extreme examples of murder, rape, or many of the other horrific things that happen in our broken world? How can God expect us to forgive in those circumstances? Let’s not forget that Jesus was sent to be an example to us. He forgave when times were good, and he forgave when times were bad. He forgave when it was easy, and he forgave when it was hard. He forgave those who committed sins against others and those that committed sins against him. And they covered the full spectrum of petty nonsense to the most cruel and gruesome acts that someone could commit against someone else. In the midst of hanging on the cross, as his murderers condemned him to die, after mutilating his body with no regard for his life, he says, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they are doing” (Luke 23:24). This was the ultimate example of Christ demonstrating the power and ability to forgive in the most horrific circumstances. And here's the kicker, they didn’t even apologize (loud gasp!!), Does this make forgiving others easy, nope. But it does show us that it’s possible even when we don’t think it is. And not only is it possible, it is also required of us. In Mark 11:25 Jesus says, “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Some manuscripts go on in verse 26 to say, “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” This clearly shows the importance of forgiveness in our walk with Christ. We must forgive because it is required of us and we have also, freely, been forgiven by the Father. We also must understand that unforgiveness drives us away from Christ and destroys us from the inside out. Hebrews 12:14-15 says, “14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” Forgiveness is no easy task. But neither was leaving heaven, being born of man, living a sinless life, and dying for the sins of all mankind. So if, as men of God, we are striving to be more like Christ, can’t we search within ourselves deep enough to know that we were undeserving of the forgiveness that was given to us? Let us return the favor; as a result we will free ourselves from the bondage of unforgiveness, remove the wedge between ourselves and our Father, and edge ever closer to resembling the greatest example to ever walk the face of this earth, Jesus Christ. written by: Brandon Kress August 31, 2022
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