An unforgiving Christian is a contradiction in terms, an oxymoron. To say that we’re a follower of Jesus Christ and yet harbor unforgiveness in our heart is simply wrong. The fact is that we’re more like Jesus when we forgive, and not like Jesus when we don’t. He made it very clear when He taught us how to pray in Matthew 6:12, “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” The Ecumenical version speaks of sins and an old version says debts. So, whether it’s trespasses, or sins, or debts, we are to forgive.
Jesus wants us to know that He is forgiving and if we want to be like Him, we must be forgiving as well. He touched on this issue time after time during His earthly ministry. It was a theme of many of His parables. He hammered on this issue repeatedly in His private talks with His disciples. In Matthew 6:10 Jesus said, “May Your kingdom come. May Your will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven.” What’s going on in Heaven? It’s the worship of God, the exaltation of Christ, and the granting of forgiveness. Therefore, we should be worshipping God, exalting Jesus Christ, and forgiving one another.
God doesn’t downplay the seriousness of sin or the effect it has on our relationship with Him, but when we repent, He chooses to forgive us and restore our relationship with Him. This should be our attitude as well when we forgive others. God wants what’s best for us, even after we’ve done our worst so forgive to be forgiven.
In Christ,
Rev. David Edgar
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