Multitudes of people throughout the ages have pondered over certain important questions such as the following: "Who has offended me? How do I forgive those who have hurt me? How can I be forgiven by those whom I've hurt?" The Lord Jesus through the Christian Faith has transformed the world with Teachings on the Subject of Forgiveness. In line with our Main Scriptural Text, the Lord Jesus wasn't telling Simon Peter to literally forgive someone 490 times only to quit at the 491st offence. Instead, the numbers He used were symbolic of Infinity. The ramified implication here is that we are mandated to forgive unconditionally and infinitely. According to Webster's English Dictionary, to forgive literally means "to cease to feel resentment against; to pardon." In addition, it means "to harbour no grudge, bear no malice and to make Peace." Anytime we forgive, we are displaying the Qualities of being Merciful, Compassionate and Humane. We are ridding ourselves of any grudges, shifting our focus from past mistakes or problems, getting rid of any anger that we may have been harbouring and becoming peacemakers (Matt. 5:9).
The following are some of the Primary or Fundamental Blessings which are numerous:
(a.) WE ADOPT A BETTER PERCEPTION OF OURSELVES AND OTHERS WHICH ELIMINATES RESENTMENT.
(b.) WE FACILITATE THE HEALING PROCESS INVOLVED.
(c.) WE BECOME HAPPIER BECAUSE THERE'S NO LONGER ANY ROOM FOR ANGER.
(d.) WE BEGIN TO MOVE AHEAD WITH A GREATER SENSE OF LIBERTY.
(e.) WE GRANT THOSE AROUND US THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE AND GROW.
The following are a Few Basic Truths we must remember about Forgiveness:
THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY FORGAVE OUR SINS, INCLUDING THE REALLY BAD ONES
Whenever we realize the Magnitude of a Perfect God acknowledging every single one of our ugly, selfish and horrible acts and thoughts yet still choosing to love and forgive us, it’s so much easier to show Mercy and Forgiveness towards one another (Col. 2:13). Anytime you know God, your perspective and the very way you view life changes. It’s very difficult to nurse a grudge when you’re communicating daily with the God Who gave His Own Son for you.
WE MIGHT AS WELL FORGIVE BECAUSE OFFENCE WILL NEVER CEASE
The fact that every person around us who doesn’t know the Lord possesses the sin nature guarantees there would always be pain and offences in this life (2 Tim. 3:2). Our exposure to being hurt, attacked and offended by others in this life is totally inevitable. Whether it’s overlooking the personal insults of a co-worker or something deeper, such as a relationship wound, we have an obligation to forgive and allow God Himself to deal with the offenders. Forgiveness never makes light of a suffered wrong, deemphasizing the hurt and pain we feel or empowering the person who did wrong. It means we are called to hand our offences over to the Lord completely, harbouring no ill-will towards our offenders.
VENGEANCE BELONGS TO THE LORD
Sincerely speaking, some circumstances are more difficult to forgive than others. Instances like child abuse or infidelity could be some of the most difficult offences to truly forgive. No matter the pain or heartache we may be struggling with, it is important for us to remember that nobody cares more or is more upset about our pain than the Lord Himself. If He loves us more than we even love our own children, then He is even more offended and upset by any wrongdoing against us (Matt. 7:11). We must pray for all of our offenders to accept our Forgiveness, but if not, the Lord would deal with them in all of His Sovereignty in due season (Rom. 12:9).
There is no pain or suffering we are incapable of forgiving, but we need to rely on God’s Power, not our own, and sincerely ask for His Help.