Forgiveness

To say that there is much confusion, misunderstanding and angst surrounding the word forgiveness would be a gross understatement. Forgiveness is a word that many of us are quick to say we practice and, of those who say so, much unforgiveness abounds.

I've heard a plethora of explanations that attempt to justify why forgiveness is not being offered and every single one of those explanations/excuses falls short of the standard clearly laid out for us in the pages of Scripture.

In Leviticus we read the following statement again and again: "In this way the priest will make atonement for them and they will be forgiven."

What's the premise? Atonement made; forgiveness granted. The end of it all is this -once atonement was/is made forgiveness/freedom comes. The offense no longer carries a penalty.

Leviticus 6:7 says, "In this way the priest will make atonement for him before the Lord and he will be forgiven for any of these things he did that made him guilty. Even those who sinned unintentionally were forgiven."

Let's look at a few more verses and see the foundation laid for us to follow:

Matthew 6:12 clearly says, "forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors."

In Matthew 9:2, Jesus forgives a man who didn't even ask for forgiveness simply because He saw his faith. Now that's one to pause and ponder. From whom are you withholding forgiveness simply because they haven't asked you yet?

In Matthew 26:27-28 Jesus took the cup, drank from it and said, "this is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

Luke 6:37 says, "do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven."

And finally, going back to Matthew 6:12-14, we read, "forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your father will not forgive your sins."

I don't think it can get any plainer than that. Do you?

So it's as clear as can be that we are never, ever given the freedom to hold an offense against another, not ever.

Stephanie