Choosing Forgiveness: A 5-Day Plan From Nancy DeMoss WolgemuthSample

Day 5: Blessing of Forgiveness

God’s Word gives us an important key to going all the way with forgiveness. It requires that we go “above and beyond” just releasing our offender—that we extend the grace of God and build bridges of love by returning blessing for cursing, good for evil.

But I’ve forgiven him! I’m not holding a grudge. I applaud you for taking the courageous step of releasing your offender(s) from the grip of your own anger and vengeance.

But there’s more . . . God wants you to live in the kind of freedom that radiates His light and love from your smile to your handshake to the very soles of your feet.

True forgiveness goes a lot further than just saying, “I’ve forgiven him.”

We are called to forgive others as God has forgiven us. How has God forgiven us? He didn’t just say to us, “You’re forgiven.” He gave His Son’s life for us when we were His enemies. Pursued us when we wanted nothing to do with Him. Adopted us into His family. Made us joint-heirs with Christ. Has promised never to leave or forsake us. Comforts us and meets our needs. “Daily loads us with benefits” (Psalm 68:19 nkjv). That kind of extravagant, undeserved grace models the way we are to forgive.

But to do so, you’re going to have to take seriously—and literally—everything God says about forgiveness. Which includes something that may seem unthinkable: blessing your offenders.

We find this principle of blessing our offenders spelled out in Romans 12—not as an optional add-on, not as a senior-level course for those on the advanced placement track of Christian living. This passage is for you. And for me. And for everyone who needs God’s help to go all the way in forgiveness. Follow the progression:

First, “repay no one evil for evil” (v. 17).

The Word is so direct and unmistakable. Don’t return the evil you’ve received from others, God says. That’s His job:

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.” (v.19)

Okay, I get that part. We’re not supposed to pay back evil for evil—vengeance is God’s job, not mine. But there’s more—here ’s what we are supposed to do:

To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink . . .” . . . overcome evil with good. (vv. 20–21)

I have seen God do the unbelievable as His children have been willing not only to forgive their offenders, but to step out and return good for evil.

Yes, it’s a miracle of God’s grace. It’s a miracle you can experience—not just once, but over and over again, as you cultivate a heart of forgiveness—forgiving others, as He has forgiven you.

Forgiveness is not an easy road, but God will supply and strengthen you to follow His commands. Further explore the meaning of forgiveness in light of scripture with Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth in her book Choosing Forgiveness .