TID #162 Forgiveness

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TID #162 Forgiveness

What’s up TRC and Friends! Today we get after Matthew 6:14-15 and the challenging subject of forgiveness.

Jesus teaches that exercising forgiveness is absolutely necessary for believers. Jesus connects our ability to forgive others with receiving God’s forgiveness. Jesus raises important questions about the nature of forgiveness and how we should practice it.

What Makes Forgiveness a Theological Issue?

Forgiveness is primarily a theological matter before it is a personal one. It reflects God’s character and what He has done for us in Christ. While forgiveness can bring personal healing for Christians, the motivation must start with God’s nature and character rather than self-benefit.

How Does God’s Forgiveness Work?

God’s forgiveness involves:

  1. Removing our transgressions “as far as the east is from the west”.
  2. Not dealing with us according to our sins.
  3. Requiring repentance before granting forgiveness.
  4. Maintaining justice while extending mercy.

What Does Biblical Forgiveness Look Like in Practice?

Forgiveness involves:

  1. Actively sending away the offense rather than just passively releasing it.
  2. An ongoing process that may need to be revisited daily.
  3. Not necessarily forgetting the offense but choosing not to hold it against someone.
  4. Setting appropriate boundaries while releasing bitterness.
  5. Understanding that forgiveness and reconciliation are separate issues.

Common Misconceptions About Forgiveness

Some key misconceptions to address:

  1. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting.
  2. Forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation.
  3. Struggling to forgive is not the same as refusing to forgive.
  4. Forgiveness does not always mean restoring trust immediately.

Application

This week, consider these questions and challenges:

  1. Are you holding onto any unforgiveness that needs to be released?
  2. How does your understanding of God’s forgiveness impact how you forgive others?
  3. Are there relationships where you need to distinguish between forgiveness and reconciliation?

Challenge: Identify one situation where you’re struggling with forgiveness. Each morning this week, consciously choose to “send away” that offense while remembering God’s forgiveness toward you. Remember that this may be a process requiring daily commitment rather than a one-time decision.