Understanding Forgiveness, Part 1

Forgiveness is hard, especially when there are serious offenses involved. What about the pain and suffering we’ve been caused? These issues can be complex and difficult to work through, and we must begin with our own heart. First, we must guard against allowing preconceived ideas, personal experience, emotional distress, or irrational fears to influence our thinking. Next, we must submit to the Bible as the ultimate authority for all we believe and practice. God’s Word alone is the rightful basis for our convictions, and we must be prepared to work hard at understanding and bowing to the truth. As we do, we will wrestle with many questions. Is forgiveness conditional or unconditional? Do we just ignore the offense and move on, or do we confront them and stand ready to forgive? Is it enough that someone asks for forgiveness, or is there something more they should do? We will consider these and other questions next week; but in the meantime, be encouraged by the example of our God. He has graciously forgiven you. Go and demonstrate that grace to others.