Forgiveness: A Surprising Way ForwardSample

Day 3: False Forgiveness

"…Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." ~ 2 Corinthians 2:14

David is on the run. Though he maintains steadfast loyalty to Saul, the king is blinded by bitterness. He believes David is attempting to usurp his throne and end his dynasty. So, the king tasks his intelligence service with locating David. When Saul is briefed about a possible sighting, he leads an entire army into the wilderness to murder David. Saul is closing in on David. At this moment, nature calls, and Saul ducks into a cave to relieve himself. David and his men happen to be hiding back in a dark corner. Saul is exposed and helpless. Instead of killing King Saul, David covertly trims a small corner from the royal robe.

When Saul rejoins his men, David calls out from the cave proclaiming his loyalty and innocence, “See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! … I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life.” (1 Samuel 24:11)

Saul is confronted by David’s undying loyalty and his own treachery. This is too much for Saul. He breaks down in tears and proclaims David’s innocence, “When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today.” (vs. 19)

So, Saul forgives David…or does he? I suspect Saul’s tears were genuine, and his intentions were noble. Sadly, Saul was deceived into practicing false forms of forgiveness. Remorse and self-condemnation are not forgiveness. Using logic to convince himself of David’s innocence was not forgiveness. Biblical forgiveness is trusting God to make things right and bring true justice. So, Saul leaves David unharmed, but takes his bitterness home with him. Only a few verses later, Saul resumes his vendetta against David. (1 Samuel 25:44)

Satan knows the power of forgiveness. He hates us and wants us to remain stuck in unforgiveness. He pretends to be an angel of light, offering beautiful yet deceptive alternatives to true forgiveness. “You are not perfect either! Be remorseful. Confess your own sins and stop accusing others who hurt you! Forget your hurt and move on.” The Deceiver offers a skin of truth wrapped around toxic deceptions designed to keep us from practicing true and healing forgiveness. When we practice false forms of forgiveness, resentment keeps its hold over us.

Looking Deeper

How have you tried to practice forgiveness in the past? If you think about these situations, do you still experience negative emotions?

How do your past attempts to practice forgiveness align with “trusting God to make things right?”

Is it possible to forgive someone who hurt you if you are not sure whether they are guilty of sin? Whose job is it to bring the appropriate justice to your offender?