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Forgiving My Father

In Jesus’ time, rabbis taught that offenders should be forgiven thrice. Peter, thinking he was being generous, asked Jesus if it was enough to forgive seven times. But the Lord replied that we should forgive seventy times seven, implying that we not only need to forgive, we should not even keep track of offenses. We must forgive; the only question is how.

As a teen, I found it very difficult to forgive offenses and insults. Many people experience mean comments growing up. I was insulted for not having my biological father in my life, for my height, my teeth, and other aspects. I had decided to follow Jesus when I was sixteen. Later, I longed for the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the outward evidence of speaking in tongues. While praying, I heard the Lord speak to me, saying, “How can I baptize you with My Holy Spirit when there is animosity in your heart against your biological father?”

I asked Mamá for permission to go back to the Dominican Republic to look for my father and ask his forgiveness for my anger at him. She agreed. For several months I worked to save up for my airfare, and when I had enough money, I travelled to Santo Domingo.

At uncle Moncho’s house I learned that my biological father was sick in a hospital, so I went there to ask for his forgiveness. He was surprised and unable to understand why I would be the one asking to be forgiven. I told him that for many years I had held a deep grudge against him for what he had done to me. I had grown up without his presence or support in my life, and without even his last name! I told him about my decision to follow Jesus, my desire to be baptized with the Holy Spirit, and that God had told me of my need to forgive him. Finally, toward the end of our visit, my father told me that he forgave me.

I returned to New York. At the very next church service, God baptized me with His Holy Spirit. Being sensitive to God’s voice and being obedient to Him led to my finally being able to forgive. Forgiveness is a liberating factor in all relationships, not just in our earthly families, but also with our Heavenly Father. It is not easy to forgive, but it is possible. We can do anything through the strength we have in Christ our Lord.

God, if there is resentment, hatred, or any root of bitterness in my life, help me to forgive. Minister to me through Your Word and bring healing to my life as I forgive others.