Being Like Him - a 40 Day Lenten DevotionalSample

Forgiveness

Paul says in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Note that the standard given for us to forgive someone is not dependent on how we feel about forgiveness; instead, it is dependent on what Christ did for us. The cost of God forgiving our sin demanded the death of His Son. Christ had to bear the pain to forgive.

To ‘for-give’ does not come easy because it first calls for us to GIVE. The logical order for us to give something is to have it in the first place. We cannot give what we do not have. Hence the key to provide is first to receive. Many people struggle with bitterness and inability to forgive because they have not received forgiveness.

Paul reminds us of this key reason in the verse mentioned above, “Just as Christ forgave you.” We cannot overlook the importance of forgiveness because the sign of being forgiven is one’s ability to forgive others.

Where does our assurance of forgiveness come from? We can find it by believing in the cost of forgiveness that Christ has paid. One among the Trinity took upon himself the gruesome death, while the Father and the Spirit stood agonizing. The temporary separation from each other caused such immense pain that Jesus cried out, “Why have you forsaken me?” The family of the Godhead had to bear the agony for us to freely avail His forgiveness. Jesus was innocent, yet He was made sin so that He may be punished. This is the fountain of strength to every believer.

When I desire to forgive, I am enabled to forgive by what I have received. Forgiveness surely costs us too, just as it cost Christ, but are we willing to bear the cost? The cost I incur cannot be compared to what Christ had to endure. Let us reflect on the forgiveness available to us in Jesus and the vast price that was paid for us to have it. If you experience His forgiveness, you are indebted to give. The more we receive, the more we are enabled to provide. Is there someone you haven’t forgiven? Try and make amends by accepting Christ’s forgiveness and by offering it to the person.

Prayer

Lord, I feel misunderstood and hurt because of the people who have harmed me. It is difficult for me to forgive, even as the memories of pain haunt me. Enable me to receive and experience your forgiveness that I may also be able to forgive the way that you forgive me. In Jesus name, Amen.