Forgiveness Costs Somebody

Posted on August 10, 2018 by America's Keswick in Victory Call

…forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Luke 11:4

Unforgiveness is bondage.  It is a prison of bitterness and unpaid debt. However, the offended one is the one trapped.  Unforgiveness and bitterness are common themes in the counseling office.  How often have I heard and said myself, “Forgiveness frees you, the one offended” as if somehow that makes it more palatable, more appealing and making it more about the offended one and little to do with the offender.

It is true that forgiveness frees the offended person from debt-tracking and the poison of bitterness. But is God’s primary purpose in calling us to forgive others for OUR benefit?

That gives us pause doesn’t it?

Our forgiveness cost Jesus a very high price.  Forgiveness costs someone. When we forgive another it will cost us and for some it will cost a very dear price.  Not like what it cost Jesus but still a sacrifice of releasing the debt. It is not our place to hold a person’s debt against them.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19

When Jesus summarized the law He shared the two great commandments: #1 Love God, #2 Love others (See Matthew 22:37-40).  Forgiving another person is a way we love God and love others.  Unforgiveness is a form of loving self, elevating our desires, attitudes, perspectives,  wants, expectations and preferences above both God’s and others.

Unforgiveness is the fruit of electing ourselves judge, jury and prison warden.  These roles are self-proclaimed not God-given.

What if God’s purpose in calling us to forgive others is that they would be drawn to Jesus Christ and that He would be glorified?

Are we so hardened and blinded by bitterness that we would not want that for another human being? Do they deserve it? No!

Did we? …but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8. No, we did not deserve forgiveness either.

Forgiveness is a gift from God that is intended for re-gifting. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Blessings

Diane

P.S. I have heard some horrific stories of evil and sin perpetrated against people, I know it will cost you more than most, but I also know that by God’s grace – it is possible for you to forgive your offender. I don’t take lightly what that will mean for you.

Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and provides ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

The Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 10-13 |You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “He that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven; for everyone has need to be forgiven.” – George Herbert

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12