A Forgiving Spirit

Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Forgiveness is one of the qualities of God’s love that we appreciate the most. When God forgives, He completely forgives. However, when people forgive, they often opt for one of the following three options instead of complete forgiveness:

First, there is CONDITIONAL forgiveness.  There is an “if” attached to their forgiveness.  They say, “I’ll forgive you, IF you apologize and make restitution.”  True forgiveness has nothing to do with what the offending party does, but it has everything to do with what we do. God’s forgiveness has been provided at the cross. He has done everything. All we need to do is accept it! If my forgiveness is complete, then I will forgive, no matter what the other person does or doesn’t do.

Second, there is PARTIAL forgiveness. This kind of forgiveness says, “I’ll forgive you, BUT don’t expect me to forget what you did.” Or, “I’ll forgive you, BUT I don’t want to be around you. Stay away from me.” This was how David forgave Absalom in 2 Samuel 14:24.

Finally, there is DELAYED forgiveness. “Well, I’ll forgive you sometime.” People who delay forgiveness usually have been deeply hurt, and hold on to that hurt and nurse it along. The best way to get over a painful offense is to forgive it as soon as possible.

When we fail to completely forgive, we are set on a downward cycle that only caused more pain. It starts with the offense. If forgiveness is not extended immediately, it will lead to resentment. Out of resentment will spring a root of bitterness. Bitterness makes us hold a grudge. Eventually the grudge will develop into a spirit of revenge where we seek to “pay-back” a person for the hurt they caused us.

Thank God, when He forgave you, it was unconditional… complete… and immediate.  This is how we need to forgive others also—“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Is there someone you need to COMPLETELY forgive.  Do it now and let the healing begin!