On Forgiveness

by Mary Stout

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” (Ezekiel 36:26, NLT)

I love the way the New Living Translation shows us how God brings us into the family by giving us a new heart and spirit.

Forgiveness is a balm that soothes your broken places to let them heal. Here is the hard part: forgiveness does not feel easy. It really isn’t easy to give up our grudges, our pain and our hurt, is it? We can say we have forgiven someone or ourselves for something, and the next time you think of it, the situation brings you back to that place of resentment or hurt.

Forgiveness requires us to look in the mirror and really have a talk with ourselves and God. Have we done all we can to alleviate the issue? Have we practiced the loving kindness Jesus models for us in our relationships? Are we lying to ourselves by secretly carrying grudges around like an old potato sack?

We forgive ourselves or one another kicking and screaming all the way to the cross, don’t we? It’s like CS Lewis wrote, “We all agree that forgiveness is a beautiful idea until we have to practice it.”

Hard hearts don’t win souls to Christ. Forgiven ones do. The verse reminds us to think of how God graciously forgave us and gave us a new heart and spirit. Forgiveness heals our heart when we practice what we know is how God wants us to act.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Forgiveness was born in a manger in Bethlehem. As we celebrate the season, let’s remember to bring our burdens to the cross. He came to save us from our sin. Let us follow in his footsteps and learn to let go and let him handle things.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for the forgiveness you give us each and every day. Help us follow in your character and do the same for ourselves and others. As we walk our journey toward Christian perfection, may it be your guidance and wisdom we follow. In Jesus’ name. Amen.