Do you believe in forgiveness?

If we each ask ourselves this question, do you believe in forgiveness, most of us would likely answer yes regardless of our spiritual beliefs. It is not only a Christian concept, but an American one - dare I say a principle of human nature. Yet if we look at the relationships in our lives, are we really practicing forgiveness?

It feels like the past few years of my life God has really been working on me in this area. The lesson is a very challenging one, yet is also the center of the relationship between me and Christ. This is one of the most important things I can learn in this life on Earth because it has an eternal impact. I want my life to be a reflection of Christ and glorifying to God. What could demonstrate that more than forgiveness?

When Christ began His ministry He took what God had already begun teaching His people and raised it to the next level. In a very general sense, Jesus taught that it is easier to sin, but also easier to forgive. Sin was no longer a check list of dos and don'ts, but it became about character. Forgiveness was no longer about penance, but about grace. God spent hundreds of years teaching us about sin and forgiveness through very tangible tools of the Ten Commandments and animal sacrifice, etc. When Christ came we graduated from those elementary principles and were called to a higher benchmark.

1) Sin is not just about your actions, but about your heart.

"You have heard that the law of Moses says, `Do not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Matthew 5:27-28

2) Forgiveness is not about paying the consequences, but about the graciousness of the offended person.

"Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the very act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?"

They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, stone her. But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones!"

When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one.
Then Jesus stood up again and said to her, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?"

"No, Lord," she said.

And Jesus said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."
John 8:1-11

Take a look at the relationships in your life - professional colleagues, neighbors, friends and family. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you forgive, then pray for the Holy Spirit to do its work in the other persons heart. It will change your life, it will change their life and it will change the kingdom of Heaven.