The Need for Forgiveness
We are all in need of God's mercy. The less we are able to recognise this need, the less we can celebrate and embrace God's goodness towards us. This mercy is first actioned towards us as a grace gift of forgiveness while we are undeserving and rebellious in our hearts. But we still need to embrace the gift. In Simon the Pharisee's home, a sinful woman (Lk. 7:37) enters and washes Jesus' feet with ointment and her tears. Simon judges Jesus and her in his heart. Jesus then addresses Simon and asks him a question. Read it for yourselves from Luke 7:41-50.
Notice how "cancelled the debt" language is used before Jesus concludes with, "Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven-for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little." And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Then those at the table began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?" It's a great question as only God could forgive someone of sins they have committed when He is not directly the victim, yet all sin is ultimately against God and why David could say, "Against you, you only, have I sinned and done evil in your sight..." (Psalm 51:4). David begins this psalm by asking, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions..." Fortunately God delights in being merciful.
The story of the 'unmerciful servant' in Matthew 18:21-35 highlights the same idea: if we understand that we are the recipients of mercy for an impossible amount of debt should we be asked to pay, then we will be merciful to those 'undeserving offenders' toward us, as their debt is small in comparison. We are all going to need mercy and give mercy for the rest of our lives. It's why we are taught to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Jesus absorbed our debt on the cross so we can be free from guilt and condemnation. And so that we can free others from guilt and condemnation.
For Reflection:
Do you think there are some things that cannot be forgiven or are too difficult to forgive?
Reflect on the following from R.T. Kendall: “But how can I know there is no trace of bitterness left? (1) when there is no desire to get even or punish, (2) when I do or say nothing that would hurt their reputation or future, and (3) when I truly wish them well in all they seek to do” [Total Forgiveness, page 35]
If you need to work through forgiveness or be sure you have forgiven someone, then be sure to have a look at an excerpt on our website called 'A Practical Way to Forgive from the Heart’, from Andrew Butterworth's book ‘I’m Sick, Now What?’
Herein Butterworth gives a breakdown of forgiveness from the heart and the steps necessary for it. You can go through the practical steps given there. If you are still struggling then please speak to someone in the church who you know will be of help.