Forgiveness is a Christian Value

As we explore some of Christianity’s fundamental values, we want to spend some time on forgiveness. God is forgiving, good, and full of love for those who confess their mistakes and we should strive to emulate the example of our heavenly Father (Psalm 86:5).

All of us are going to mess up in life—every one of us! None of us reach the mark of perfection (Rom. 3:10). And when we inevitably miss the mark, we want the people around us to be gentle and forgiving toward us. We don’t want them to lash out in anger and frustration or to hold a grudge against us. We want them to hold open their arms and offer forgiveness and a hug; for them to be willing to look past our mistakes, love us anyway, and hope for better results the next time around.

So, forgiveness is what we want from others, it is what we get from God, and it is what we are supposed to give to others, even when it’s crazy hard.

That’s what we want from others, and that is what we get from God. He is readily available to listen when we are ready to confess and He offers us forgiveness even though we don’t deserve it. When we sin, what we deserve is death (John 1:9; Rom 6:23). But because God loves You, He doesn’t want you to die that death. So when you confess, He forgives you, and He even sent Jesus to take the punishment for your sin. And Jesus, sharing the same purpose as God, died on the cross in the ultimate act of forgiveness and cried out, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Imagine that line with your name in it and Jesus crying out, “Father, forgive –put your name here– because they do not know what they are doing!” 

It is so good to know that we have a forgiving God.

So, forgiveness is what we want from others, it is what we get from God, and it is what we are supposed to give to others, even when it’s crazy hard. There are probably people in your life who don’t deserve your forgiveness, but we are called to forgive anyway. That doesn’t mean to go back into a harmful situation or to condone the wrongdoing. What it does mean, is that you realize that no one is perfect; not him, not her, not you. And if we are a follower of Jesus, we are supposed to follow His example of forgiveness (Matt. 6:14–15; Col. 3:13). Forgiveness is a powerful act of spiritual obedience that draws us closer to God as we act more like Him. It also benefits us physically and mentally. Forgiveness allows us to let go of bitterness and resentment and let go of a grudge, which (even scientifically) is best for our minds and bodies.

Remember God wants the best for You. He knows that forgiveness, though hard, is the best. Pray for His help in exercising the Christian value of forgiveness.

If you want someone to pray for you or have questions about your faith, feel free to reach out to us on our website at https://experiencecc.com/prayer/

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