Forgiving Those Who Wound UsSample

The Gift of Forgiveness

Many of us live with unresolved conflicts, broken communication, and ongoing “issues” between ourselves and others. But there is great hope! God has designed the church to be a gathering of believers who live in peace with one another. In this passage, believers are instructed to “be kind . . . tenderhearted, forgiving.” The command to be kind and tenderhearted is reinforced through the command to forgive. Forgiveness is a gift we give to others, a sacrificial lifestyle in which we release others from the liability of their offenses toward us. Since God gave his own Son to cover all our sins, we are able to forgive others; God has already paid the price. We access God’s sacrificial gift in Christ when we forgive others.

The motivation for this progression of love is not found within our own hearts. Rather, the motivation comes from God and from what he did to forgive us in Christ. A debt has to be paid because real wrongs have been committed. However, when we release liability for wrongs committed against us, we are trusting God’s grace to pay the price. This has a liberating effect on our own lives. It sets us up to enjoy freedom in Christ and harmony with others! Imagine the freedom and goodwill we would experience if all of our relationships were characterized by full and free forgiveness. Our fellowship as believers is maintained and strengthened through kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving relationships.