The Bible gives us an interesting insight into the word forgiveness. It does not focus on the offending person but on the one who has responsibility to develop an attitude of forgiveness. Without forgiving, a canker sore develops and grows within a person’s character and behavior. The lack of forgiveness can initiate bitterness and even hatred. For now, let us consider the features of forgiveness according to Scripture.
Forgiveness or the lack of forgiveness is a reflection on conduct. In the case of God, his desire to forgive every single person that has ever lived in history was so extensive that he allowed his son to be murdered on the cross. God did everything possible to assure that we are forgiven, can have a relationship with him, and have the promise of eternal life in heaven. But what about humans? For a person to withhold forgiveness is a serious indication of a flaw in their thinking. They have an ulterior motive that supersedes implementing Scripture.
God’s love is called agape or divine love that is given freely without predetermined conditions. God loves because he is love. He has never made a qualification imposed on people before he would love them. Of course, we cannot love to the extent that God loves. However, it is our duty to love without stipulation. If we say that we love yet impose requirements on another person, it is not true love. This is the same in regard to forgiveness that reveals itself without created complications.
There are dangers to not forgiving another person. In Matthew 6 Jesus offers an example of what we call the Lord’s prayer. Versus 14,15 says, “for if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive someone. He thought he was being generous by saying seven times, but Jesus corrected him and said 7×70 or an indefinite time of forgiveness.
Our duty is to have an attitude of forgiveness whether or not the other person requests to be forgiven. In our minds we should already have forgiven. In our behavior we should see that forgiveness is implemented. True Christian forgiveness should be extended regardless of our assessment of the other person. Let us forgive one another as a reflection of how God has forgiven us.
Christian Writer 