Forgiveness
This is a really big concept in the realm of relationships. I think everyone on the planet has needed forgiveness at one time or another. I think everyone has had to dispense forgiveness as well. Forgiveness carries with it the idea of willfully stop being angry or resentful toward someone for something they’ve done – willfully or accidentally. I believe forgiveness is a huge cornerstone of my faith in God. God has forgiven me so many times and in so many ways I could never keep score. I deserve punishment, but instead I receive forgiveness.
Jacob had really taken advantage of his brother Esau in the past. He had conned Esau out of his birthright and stolen the blessing from his blind, disabled dad. Jacob seemed like the kind of guy that would step on others to get what he wanted. Jacob sent an offering (a peace offering I think) to his brother Esau via some of his servants. Esau decided to come see Jacob. This alarmed Jacob because he knew full well that he had really harmed his brother. Jacob divides his flocks, servants and family into two groups so that if Esau attacks, at least half of his family would have a chance to escape. The moment arrives and Jacob clearly wasn’t expecting what happened next. Check this out…
1 Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men; so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two female servants. 2 He put the female servants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. 3 He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.
4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. (Genesis 33:1-4 NIV)
This is a fantastic example of forgiveness. Jacob deserved retaliation, but instead received restoration. I don’t believe that at the first point of contact that restoration was completed, but I believe it the process was started for sure.
I was reminded this morning that forgiveness is a gift I give myself as well as the other person. The opposite of forgiveness is bitterness and seething anger. I heard someone say that bitterness is a pill that I take thinking it will kill the other person, but the opposite is true: it kills me from the inside.
I’ve had to forgive some pretty major hurts over the years. I have had to have the Lord’s help in doing that. The really cool thing is that the Lord reminded me of how much He forgives me when I don’t deserve it. When I look at others who’ve harmed me, I can forgive. I have hurt the Lord far deeper than I’ve ever experienced hurt from another person, yet He is ALWAYS faithful to forgive. He not only erases my past –He redefines my future and restores me to the place of an heir to my inheritance. The depth of His love and the unlimited Grace that He gives blows me away. How can I not forgive when He has forgiven me for so much?
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)
Forgiveness is not optional for Christ followers. Forgiveness is a command from the Lord Himself. After having practiced forgiveness, I see the incredible gift it is to me to actually forgive.
Pressing On!
Dwayne