"And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors." - Matthew 6:12
"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; " We ask this in our daily prayer. Forgiveness goes both ways. To be forgiven in return, you, too, need to forgive. Forgiveness is something we all want to receive but is it something we are all willing to give?
What is forgive?
FORGIVE verb
: to cease to feel resentment against (an offender) : PARDON forgive one's enemies
: to grant relief from payment of forgive a debt
Source - Merriam Webster
Note the word "Debt", which is also used in Matthew 6:12 - "And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors." Forgiveness is referred to as debt or being in debt. It all started when Adam and Eve took a bite of that apple, and their debt continued through generations. For that debt to be lifted, an ultimate price needed to be paid, a price no other can afford except for One. The crucifixion of Christ our Lord. That moment was when the debt was lifted, and we were set free. So why do we all feel like we still live in debt, where forgiving one another feels impossible? Or that our guilt stops us from feeling deserving to be forgiven?
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence.”
-Ephesians 1:7-8
One of life's toughest challenges is to overcome the anger or hurt of being mistreated by someone, especially someone we love. The Bible stresses and urges us to forgive. Forgiveness and Love go side by side with one another. But regardless, we can't help but hold on to that anger and hurt and, at times, would only consider forgiving after receiving a verbal apology. An apology would be well appreciated, but it is not the main ingredient to righting the wrong. However, time and changed behaviour can heal a damaged relationship. So what can truly mend a broken heart?
"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."
- Ephesians 4:31-32
"Unforgiveness" is considered a "Spiritual Poison". As it spreads like cancer when one is unwilling to forgive, It stirs up an emotional storm filled with bitterness and anger; one demands justice. Unforgiveness creates a domino effect on us in every possible way. Our emotions would be driven by it, followed by negative thoughts, behaviours, spirit, and our relationships with others. It affects our judgment and perspective because "we view the world and ourselves through the lens of hurt". Consumed with unforgiveness, our wounds will not heal over time. In fact, it may worsen, and our emotional pain would increase. A tremendous burden to carry, and the longer we carry it, the heavier it will get. "Pain becomes the identity of the unforgiving person."
“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.”
- Proverbs 17:9
Let's go back to Merriam-Webster's definition of "Forgiveness". "To cease to feel resentment against (an offender)"and "to grant relief from payment of forgiving a debt". Cease and relief are the two keywords I'd like to focus on. When we cease, we let go and end resentment - one of the causes of the unwanted emotional storm. Relief is the after-effect of ceasing the feeling of resentment, not only the relief towards others but for yourself.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."
- Ephesian 2:8
The day God's only Begotten Son saved us from our sins was when we received the gift of Forgiveness. Forgiveness is for the brokenhearted, those who seek repentance and for wounds that need to be healed and to move on from the pain and hurt. Forgiveness mends the heart and restores broken relationships. A challenging action, but God has guided us on how to take the first step to Forgiveness. "..'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. "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him."- Luke 17:3. Forgiveness, we must first acknowledge that we all need Forgiveness. "For Christians, forgiveness is nonnegotiable; it is the very essence of our faith
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
- Ephesians 4:32
“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.”
- Proverbs 17:9
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