Forgiveness is the undeserved grace given to an individual or group of people for an offense that caused hurt or trauma to our lives. Often the act of one person can cause offense for a larger group of people in which individuals are unjustly judged as though they are the one at fault. Forgiving others even of their assumptions that may be derived by other’s actions is one of the greatest forms of this powerful act. Forgiveness is not just for the offender, but for us. When we hold on to hurt, it can quickly go from offense to bitterness, anger, and even rage. Many times, the offender is not even aware of our pain or feel no responsibility for it.
Then there is the receiving of forgiveness from others when we have done or said things to hurt someone intentionally or unintentionally. When we are forgiven it humbles us, especially when undeserved. Our hearts are thankful and the weight of the consequences of our actions is lifted.
Whether we are forgiving or being forgiven we should not interpret forgiveness as trust. Forgiveness is given. Trust is earned. For a person to be considered trustworthy, especially after an offense, it takes time. Trust is a character trait that is proven by the consistent actions of reputable traits or values that we esteem noteworthy.
You may ask, how can we just forgive or be forgiven? The greatest example we have to learn from is the forgiveness Christ offers us, and the trust we can have in Him who has an unreputable record of trustworthiness. He who is often falsely accused, judged by the opinion of others, blamed for acts He did not do, and often a scapegoat for things we do not want to take responsibility for, forgives “everyone” who asks. And He takes it a step further and has already paid the price for any, and all, offenses we have ever done. In addition, offers the gift of salvation and eternal life to all who believe. We can trust Him. He has proven Himself trustworthy with an unreputable reputation of doing what He says.
Our response, humble gratitude. Therefore, If Christ has forgiven us, can we not forgive others? By His grace, we can. And when we do, we are truly set free.
Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them. For love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark of true maturity. Colossians 3:12 -14 TPT
