There is so much to assimilate about the passion of Easter, the revisitation of the details leading up to the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When we contemplate the betrayal, the ostracism, and horrific manner in which our Lord was crucified, it is beyond human comprehension how He was yet able to forgive. With His last breaths, He forgave. Forgiveness is one of the extraordinary attributes Jesus possessed and in His selfless act of giving His life, He admonishes us to pay forward that forgiveness as He forgave us. His one act of forgiveness extends His unmerited grace for the sins of our past, our present, and any that we may commit in our future.

There are over forty verses in the Bible that reference forgiving and forgiveness. Anything that is given so much emphasis is not only a requirement, but the Word also gives us the tools needed with the assurance that it can be done. Forgiveness is an act that is often rationalized by the magnitude and circumstances of the offense. Sometimes the hurt which was incurred cuts so deep that the offended person determines too much damage has been done to ever reconcile the situation. But maybe it is not our place to reconcile, but rather do as the Bible commands . . . just forgive. Colossians 3: 14 (NLT) states very clearly, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” If reconciliation is in the plan, God has a divine plan for that as well. Regardless of what has transpired in our lives, the depth of the hurt, the disappointment we have felt, God’s Word lets us know that in order to be forgiven, we must forgive. I must make sure you know I am in no way diminishing the devastation of the experience or the offense. God and God alone is the only one who truly knows what you have experienced. But the fact of the matter is, He knew what would happen long before it happened. Therefore, His requirement for us to forgive, though it may be a tall order, has not been issued without a way of accomplishment. There is always a benefit to our obedience to God’s Word. Forgiveness comes with personal benefits that we will experience spiritually, naturally, and even physically.

The act of forgiveness may take on the form of a face to face verbal apology, a genuine written letter, or phone conversation. Whatever the platform if it comes from a heart of sincerity that is all God expects. It is then out of our hands, and now in the hands of the all-powerful, almighty God to complete the work. With the assurance of God’s promises, follow His example and wait for the results.

Forgiveness heals . . .

Forgiveness restores . . .

Forgiveness renews . . .

Forgiveness changes . . .

Forgiveness releases . . .

Forgiveness frees . . .

Forgiveness loves . . .

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