Finding the Way to Forgive
Forgiveness Begins with God
Forgiveness is a tricky thing. The Bible tells us that we are supposed to forgive other people, and Jesus spends a lot of time talking about its importance. It is a central part of his message. But before we can forgive other people, we have to be able to forgive ourselves. Can we understand that we are not perfect? Can we let go of the mistakes and sins that we have made in the past?
In order to forgive ourselves, we have to experience God’s forgiveness. Forgiveness starts with God. When we confess our sins, God forgives us. Once we understand that we are not perfect, that we have made mistakes, and that we have hurt other people at times in our lives, we are underway. We can then ask God for forgiveness for the times that we have hurt people.
Learning to Forgive Ourselves
Accepting that we have made mistakes does not mean pretending they did not matter. It means being honest about them, asking God for forgiveness, and allowing ourselves to receive it. We cannot change the past, but we can learn from it and try to act with greater care and kindness moving forward.
Extending Forgiveness to Others
Once we fully comprehend that God has forgiven us, we can start to forgive other people more easily. We will be able to understand that, like us, they are not perfect either. They have some of the same flaws that we have. This can help us reach a point where we can forgive them, even if they have not asked for forgiveness.
It is not an easy thing to do, but forgiveness is important if we want to have peace in our hearts. It does not mean that hurtful actions were acceptable or that trust is restored immediately. It is an ongoing process, and a very important part of the Christian faith. This October, may we remember that receiving God’s forgiveness can help us extend grace to ourselves and others, one step at a time.
Peace,
Pastor Scott
