40acts: The Lent Generosity ChallengeSample

If generosity sometimes means giving more than we have to give, then forgiveness can be a deeply generous act. We forgive in the same ways that we’re generous: sacrificially, unconditionally, freely. 

The truth is forgiveness is hard. It’s painful and uncomfortable, and it feels unjust. 

Much like love, forgiveness isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice. It’s a choice that brings with it the gift of freedom.

When we forgive, we stop allowing the person who we were at the time of our affliction to decide who we are today. By choosing to forgive, we stop letting our hurts dictate our actions and our pain defend our pride. We are free to be exactly who we are now, having learnt from those things that were meant for our harm.

In Luke 17:3–4 Jesus illustrates that no matter how many times you’re wronged, you should forgive every time. That might just be forgiving the same person for the same offence, day after day, moment after moment.

Late one night, three of us were walking home when a man stopped us and pulled a gun from his pocket. He wanted our money. I gave him 69p and a plectrum – it was all I had in my pocket.

I don’t recall feeling scared or angry at the time – I just remember the gunman becoming more and more agitated. Suddenly he jerked to his left, fell backwards slightly and ran off into the darkness.  

What I didn’t known then was that the trauma would affect me more than I realised. I began to feel fearful. I started to get panic attacks, low moods, and dark thoughts.

I vowed that I would never let that happen again. I learned to ‘stand up for myself’, shout people down; fear became the fuel for anger and anger would get me out of bed in the morning. 

A friend hit the nail on the head: ‘What does Jesus think about this guy who robbed you?’

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By forgiving ourselves or others, we give the gift of freedom. In the midst of unbearable hurt and anguish, fewer things could be more generous.
 

Ask God to help you start, or continue, the process of forgiveness today. 

 Find more about today’s 40acts challenge on our blog:   

https://40acts.org.uk/act-39-70-x-7/