Forgiveness from the Heart

One of the basic principles in our faith deals with forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 says “Be kind to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you.” Yes, forgiveness can be really hard when someone has wronged you. A week ago I watched an NBC News feature on three ladies in Charleston SC. Their worlds were turned upside down when a gunman took the life of 9 people who were gathered in a church. These ladies were talking about forgiveness! You could hear their attitude about forgiveness and you knew they were putting that into action. 

Wow, talk about a powerful example of forgiveness! 

Attitudes and actions
In Luke 7:36-50 Jesus forgives a grateful immoral woman. We read: And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (v 50). This woman was demonstrating her true faith in a house by her actions. Jesus honored her and forgave her sins.

Paul challenges us in Colossians 3:13 “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” It shouldn’t be so hard to forgive someone when we think of our Lord and what He did for us.

We are also told that we are not to take revenge. Paul says we “are to conquer evil by doing good.” How do we do that? In Romans 12: 20 he instructs us: “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 

Hearts like Stone
It happened more than once. You remember how Pharaoh’s heart was hardened. He refused time and again to let the Hebrews go! Exodus 7:13 is one of those instances. “Pharaoh’s heart, however, remained hard. He still refused to listen, just as the LORD had predicted.” We too can have our heart hardened.

In Proverbs God tells us that we will be healthier if we guard our hearts against hate and holding grudges. 

“My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words.
Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:20-23

If we do not forgive from our hearts, then God will not forgive us. God commands His people to love others as they love themselves.

"His faithful love endures forever."


Until next time...



Chaplain Gray