Forgiveness Is Not Optional
We are Called To Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us, Especially Our Enemies
We are called to forgive those who trespass against us.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
Jesus modeled this desired behavior by forgiving those who were in the process of crucifying him.
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Forgiving those who trespass against us, especially our enemies, is both a divine command and an essential act of spiritual growth. This essay post explores what forgiveness entails, why it is necessary, and how we can practice forgiveness, particularly in the context of our adversaries.
What Is Forgiveness?
Forgiveness is the act of pardoning someone for their wrongs, whether they have sought forgiveness or not. Forgiveness is not merely an emotional feeling or mentally forgetting an offense; it is an intentional decision to sacrifice our position in the situation, absorb what ever wrong we have suffered, and release the perpetrator from the debt of their wrongdoing.
We are to forgive others just as God forgives us. Our forgiveness is a reflection and embodiment of God’s mercy, offered to us through Christ’s sacrifice.
Despite mankinds rebelion and rejection of God and His commandments, God decided to send His son in the flesh to rescue us.
Jesus gave up his position in heaven and came down to earth as a baby in the flesh.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”John 1:14
He lived a sinless life and then sacrified that life to pay the price for our sins. It is a rare person who will give thier life for someone else, especially if that other person was workign against them..
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13)
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ( Romans 5:8)
Forgiveness of others is required for our sins to be forgiven.Forgiveness is not optional. It is a demonstration of our understanding of the calling to love others, and our willingness to do what God asks of us.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15,
We are also called to love our enemies, as outlined in Luke 6:27-28, where Jesus commands, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Forgiveness is a transformative act that liberates both the forgiver and the forgiven.
Why Should We Forgive?
- Obedience to God’s Command:
Forgiveness is an act of obedience. Jesus exemplified this on the cross when He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His example and extend grace to others, regardless of their actions toward us. - Healing and Freedom:
Forgiveness frees us from the burden of anger, bitterness, and resentment. Unforgiveness can imprison us emotionally and spiritually, hindering our relationship with God and others. In forgiving, we experience peace and healing. As Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds us, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” - Reflecting God’s Character:
Forgiveness mirrors God’s character and love. By forgiving others, especially our enemies, we bear witness to the transformative power of God’s grace. This act becomes a testimony of the gospel, showing others the possibility of reconciliation and renewal.
How Do We Forgive?
- Pray for Strength:
Forgiveness, especially of enemies, often feels impossible in our human frailty. Turning to God in prayer is essential. Philippians 4:13 assures us, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Ask God to soften your heart and empower you to forgive. - Remember God’s Forgiveness:
Reflect on the depth of God’s forgiveness toward you. In Colossians 3:13, Paul exhorts believers to “forgive as the Lord forgave you.” When we grasp the magnitude of God’s mercy in our lives, it becomes easier to extend that mercy to others. - Act in Love:
Forgiveness is often accompanied by acts of kindness and love. As Jesus instructed in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Acts of love can soften hearts and pave the way for reconciliation. - Leave Justice to God:
Forgiving does not mean excusing or ignoring injustice. Instead, it involves entrusting the situation to God, who is the ultimate judge. Romans 12:19 reminds us, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.”
Conclusion
Forgiveness is a divine mandate and a profound act of love that reflects God’s mercy. It frees us, heals relationships, and bears witness to the gospel. By understanding what forgiveness is, why it matters, and how to practice it, we can rise above our human instincts and live in obedience to God’s call.
As we choose to forgive those who trespass against us, especially our enemies, we emulate Christ’s example, bringing glory to God and experiencing the peace that surpasses understanding. Forgiveness is not merely an act but a way of life, rooted in the unfailing love of God.