The Freedom of Forgiveness

We continue this series on learning how to live in and out of God’s love.  I liked what Paul said yesterday, “live in love.”  This is our call.  And to do that, we have to embrace this radical concept of forgiveness.  The alternative is too costly:  bitterness and anger will eat away at our hearts and steal our joy.

After all it’s undeniable, Christians are called to live out their salvation.  As we have been saved, so shall we live--forgiven, we are called to forgive (Ephesians 5.1-2, Matthew 6.14-15, 18.21-35). 

Yet, what is forgiveness?  How does it apply to the many situations we face?  In an attempt to answer those questions and to provide food for thought, it might be helpful to make a list of what forgiveness is and what it is not.   So here we go . . . 

1)   Forgiveness is not necessarily forgetting; but it’s no longer letting the past define the present.

2)   Forgiveness should not be taught or lived in such a way to invite more abuse.  Forgiveness can involve consequences. 

3)   Forgiveness does not mean we live with the belief that there is no evil or that evil no longer matters.  We can still call certain acts unjust and wrong. 

4)   Forgiveness does not always produce reconciliation.  After all, it takes two to tango. 

5)   Forgiveness is more than an act.  Instead, forgiveness is a new way of looking at the world because now we live in the realm of grace.

6)   Forgiveness on our part has nothing to do with that person being pardoned by God--for that to happen there must be repentance.

What should we add or subtract?  What are your thoughts?