Clearing Out Poison

- Pastor Brad Liebe

“Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32 (NASB)

Recently, I was talking with a friend whose family was going through a horrific situation that had ripple effects on generations of people. As I spoke with him, he said, “Once he apologizes, I’ll forgive him.” Isn’t that the way it should work? Once they recognize they’re wrong, we can forgive them.

But what if they never apologize or admit wrongdoing? If you wait until they are fully repentant of their thoughtless and painful actions to release your forgiveness and anger toward them, you are setting yourself up for a life of difficulty. You’ll become more jaded, wishing ill will toward them until it spills into every aspect of your life.

We could justify our actions using today’s verse if it weren’t for the final part, “just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Romans 5:8-9 tells us that God’s love is proven through His forgiveness, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Christ didn’t wait for us to be fully repentant to offer His forgiveness. He prepared His forgiveness ahead of time so that when we asked for it, we would receive it fully. We weren’t waiting for Him to forgive us for our sins; the gift of salvation awaited us because He prepared it in advance. That’s the forgiveness He is asking us to prepare for others.

When someone harms us, we must be kind and compassionate, forgiving them, even when they don’t deserve it or ask for it. It isn’t for them; it’s for you. The adage is true, “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison, hoping the other person will die.”

Some of you are holding onto unforgiveness because you’re waiting for the other person to apologize and change. How long are you willing to keep that poison in your life? God wants to do something in and through you, and your unforgiveness keeps you from what He wants to do. Forgiveness is the antidote.

I know that what they did was unfair. I understand that you carry a scar for the pain they caused. But forgiveness isn’t about them; it’s about you. Clear out the poison today and be released from the toxin it brings into your life. Forgive them as Christ forgave you, and you’ll find the freedom it brings.

Make a Difference:

List those who have wronged you and pray over them daily. Ask God for the strength to forgive them fully. Every time you find your heart softening toward them, put a checkmark by their name. Keep praying for God’s blessing over them, and your forgiveness will come full circle.

As You Read:

This week, we are finishing Numbers and going into Deuteronomy. We see that forgiveness is emphasized through the lens of God's forgiveness toward us, even as He allows the consequences of our actions to fall on us.