The Value of Forgiveness

Our general understanding of forgiveness is that it is a process whereby we have a change of heart toward someone who has hurt us. In the legal field, the word forgiveness is synonymous with such words as pardon, absolution, exoneration, and mercy.

However, the offender must admit their wrongdoing and is often required to pay a fine and/or accept restrictions before they will be granted forgiveness by the civil or criminal justice system. Not so with Christ, our Advocate and Savior.

He stood in the breach for us sinners. He paid the sin price on Calvary so we can stand before God the Father as clean and sinless. When it comes to forgiving our fellow human beings, we lack the ability, and even the desire, to forgive and forget, unlike the father in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32). When the father saw his son coming some distance off, his only hesitation was to make sure this was truly his lost son. The boy was most likely unkempt, thin, and dressed in beggars’ clothes—unrecognizable to most but not to his loving father, who immediately forgave the young man’s foolish and wanton behavior.

He ordered that his son be fully restored to his rightful position in the family, clothed him in the finest garments, gave him the ring bearing the family’s insignia, and organized a welcome-home party. While this is sometimes a difficult lesson for siblings and others to process, it is a lesson that Christ intends each of us to learn. Unlike earthly justice systems, God’s abundant mercy and grace toward us know no bounds. He wipes the record clean and gives us a fresh start. No wonder King David could write about the joy of forgiveness (see Psalm 32).

David is an example of someone who sinned greatly, repented sincerely, and lived to enjoy the extraordinary blessings of God’s forgiveness.

My friends, the act of forgiveness is a greater blessing to the one who forgives than the one who is forgiven, even when there is no reconciliation.

Do you need to forgive someone as sincerely and completely as God has forgiven you? He will help you. Ask Him today.

Avis Mae Rodney