Forgive others for being forgiven
“If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, your Father will not forgive your transgressions ”. Matthew 6: 14–15
This passage offers us an ideal for which we must fight. It also presents us with the consequences if we do not fight for this ideal. Forgive and be forgiven. Both must be desired and sought after.
When forgiveness is properly understood, it is much easier to desire, give and receive. When it is not properly understood, forgiveness can be seen as a confusing and heavy burden and, therefore, as something undesirable.
Perhaps the biggest challenge when forgiving another is the sense of "justice" that can seem lost when forgiveness is given. This is especially true when forgiveness is offered to someone who does not ask for forgiveness. On the contrary, when asking for forgiveness and expressing true remorse, it is much easier to forgive and abandon the feeling that the offender must "pay" for what has been done. But when there is a lack of pain on the part of the offender, this leaves what may seem like a lack of justice if forgiveness is offered. This can be a difficult feeling to overcome on your own.
It is important to note that forgiving another does not excuse their sin. Forgiveness does not mean that sin has not happened or that it is OK that it has happened. Rather, forgiving another does the opposite. Forgiveness actually indicates sin, recognizes it and makes it a central goal. This is important to understand. By identifying the sin that must be forgiven and then forgiving it, justice is done supernaturally. Justice is fulfilled by mercy. And the mercy offered has an even greater effect on what mercy offers than it is offered.
By offering mercy for another's sin, we get rid of the effects of their sin. Mercy is a way for God to remove this pain from our life and free us to meet even more his mercy through the forgiveness of our sins for which we could never deserve our efforts.
It is also important to note that forgiving another does not necessarily mean reconciliation. Reconciliation between the two can only occur when the offender accepts the forgiveness offered after humbly admitting his sin. This humble and purifying act satisfies justice on a completely new level and allows these sins to be transformed into grace. And once transformed, they can even go so far as to deepen the love bond between the two.
Reflect today on the person you most need to forgive. Who is it and what have they done that offended you? Do not be afraid to offer the mercy of forgiveness and do not hesitate to do it. The mercy you offer will produce God's righteousness in a way you could never accomplish with your efforts. This act of forgiveness also frees you from the weight of that sin and allows God to forgive you for your sins.
Lord, I am a sinner who needs your mercy. Help me to have a heart of true pain for my sins and to turn to You for that grace. As I seek your mercy, help me also forgive the sins that others have committed against me. I forgive. Help that forgiveness to enter deeply into my whole being as an expression of your holy and divine Mercy. Jesus I believe in you.