“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'”  (Matthew 18:21-22)

This past week in our Alpha course, the topic of forgiveness was front and centre. I was so inspired by the teaching I thought I would share what we learned.

We were exploring the question, “Why did Jesus Die” and the answer was simply because Jesus loves you.  As a human – “all of us have sinned, and come short of the glory of God for no one is no one righteous, not even one.” (Romans 3:23,10).

Jesus took our sin upon him, forgave us and set us right before the Lord so that we can live released from guilt, sin or despair.

“He forgave us so we should forgive one another.” (Ephesians 4:32)

These key points about forgiveness really stood out and so I share them to give you something to think about:

• We forgive others because we’ve been forgiven.
• Forgiveness is a choice, but it’s not an option.
• Holding a grudge is like allowing the person who wronged you to live rent-free in your head.
• Not forgiving someone is like drinking poison and hoping the other person’s going to die.
• Not forgiving ourselves (or others) is like setting ourselves up as a higher tribunal than God. If God forgives, you must forgive.
• The first to apologize is the bravest, the first to forgive is the strongest and the first to forget is the happiest.
• Forgiveness is the religious word for letting go.

Of course, this is easier said than done.  It is not something many of us can do on our own, but it is possible with the help of God.

If you need help with forgiveness, remember the grace of God, and bring your needs to God.  “Cast your burden on the Lord , and he will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22)

As humans we are so limited, but with God all things are possible.  Lean into grace, and ask God to help release you from the anger and hurt you hold, no matter how justifiable it may seem.

For forgiveness is what Christ came to proclaim – in word and deed.  It is the heart of our gospel.

Prayer:

Help forgive us our sins, and help us forgive those who sin against us.
Amen.