Remember Forgiveness

Forgiveness might be one of the hardest things that we’re called upon to do as Christians. When someone does something wrong to us, we are to forgive. It is not optional it’s a command. After all, the Lord demonstrates forgiveness all the time with me. He forgives my stupid behavior that hurts His heart. As a result of His forgiveness of me, I’m expected to issue forgiveness to others.

59 “‘This is what the Lord God says: I will do to you what you have done. You hated and broke the agreement you promised to keep. 60 But I will remember my agreement I made with you when you were young, and I will make an agreement that will continue forever with you. 61 Then you will remember what you have done and feel ashamed when you receive your sisters—both your older and your younger sisters. I will give them to you like daughters, but not because they share in my agreement with you. 62 I will set up my agreement with you, and you will know that I am the Lord. 63 You will remember what you did and feel ashamed. You will not open your mouth again because of your shame, when I forgive you for all the things you have done, says the Lord God.’” (Ezekiel 16:59-63 NCV)

I first heard Billy Graham’s definition of forgiveness when I was in the process of needing to dispense forgiveness.  According to Bill Graham, “forgiveness is giving up my right to strike back (get even or retaliate). I must simply forgive and move on. This is hard when the pain inflicted on me is so very deep, so personal and so painful. Forgiveness for me is not optional because I’ve been forgiven for worse things that I’ve forgiven others for. I can’t remember the things I’ve done to hurt the Lords heart. He is so grace-filled and full of love. How can I not forgive others when I’ve been so completely forgiven myself.