Forgiving as Children of God

Have you ever done something forbidden as a child? Something your parents repeatedly warned you about, saying you would get into serious trouble if you did it? But then you still ran after the ball when it rolled into the street and almost got run over. After the initial shock wore off, you realized that the scolding of your life awaited you, and you trudged over to your parents with your head down. But instead of scolding you, your parents broke into tears, embraced you, and kept assuring you how much they loved you.

Maybe it was another situation where you experienced forgiveness from your family. But situations where we’ve done something wrong and are still forgiven are pivotal moments for us. For in such moments, heaven briefly touches earth, and we experience how wonderful it is to be forgiven, especially when we don’t deserve it. This kind of forgiveness reflects God’s nature, and as children of God, we are called to follow His example.

This requires effort, because often the other person shows neither remorse nor regret. Yet we are still called to forgive, for Jesus went to the cross for all the countless times we have failed. We can never earn forgiveness, whether from Jesus or from others; forgiveness is always an undeserved gift. This understanding humbles us, and this humility allows us to be generous and to offer forgiveness, thereby giving new life to another person.

For us, it might require overcoming our pride or vanity because we have been hurt. But for the other person, our forgiveness might be a key moment that completely changes their life. When we live in a way that shows forgiveness is possible, we point to Jesus' love with our lives, our love, and our forgiveness. The sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross becomes visible in our everyday lives. And maybe this seemingly trivial situation will be the trigger that leads your neighbor, coworker, or friend to faith and blesses them in a way they never could have imagined.

Next Step: Reflect on how you can practice the childlike way of forgiveness in your own life. Ask God for His guidance so that you can live His love and forgiveness practically in your everyday life.