How Important is Forgiving

"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32). This passage demands that Christians forgive each other. It also sets a strict guide for this forgiving -- "just as God in Christ forgave you." God is the perfect standard for forgiving, but what does "just as God forgave " include?

God is willing to forgive. No one twisted God's arm to grant forgiveness. Nothing demanded that he forgive -- except that he willed to forgive. As God was unwilling for any to perish (2 Pet.3:9), so he was willing to forgive all trespasses. Thus, you can count on God's mercy -- "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness "(1 Jno.1:9). Our standard is set! It is deeper than duty; it roots in the heart. We must be really willing to forgive.

God is aggressive to forgive. In regard to forgiveness, who approached who? Man did not make the first overture. It was God who reached out to man while he was still a sinner -- still a rebel. " But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us"(Rom.5:8). Again the standard is set for us. Jesus said: "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift "(Mt.5:23-24). Jesus expected the "sinned against " to aggressively pursue forgiveness -- even before offering his sacrifice. That emphasis mimics God. It is un-godlike to withhold forgiveness or to make no efforts toward forgiving one who sinned against us. "Just as God forgave " demands we make the first step.

God forgives absolutely. There are not hidden clauses, no reservations in God's forgiveness. In awe, the psalmist argued, "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us " (Psa.103:10). How far has he removed sins? --"as far as the east is from the west." God forgives -- and completely disposes of sin "Just as God forgave" sets a high bar! Our forgiveness must absolutely absolve our brother -- completely erase all charges against him.

God forgives permanently. Sins forgiven never rise again. Jeremiah prophesied of God's covenant for the last days. It is quoted and applied in Hebrews. "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them," God's "last days " covenant was written in hearts rather than stone -- as was his first covenant. Note the addendum: "then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more "(Heb.10:16-17). How long is forgiveness? Remembered no more! No reprieve for a year! -- forever gone! "Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin. "(v. 18). No need for more sacrifice for those sins; they are forgiven! They are done with forever. Other sins may plague -- and separate from God, but God forgiven sins never are brought up again. Forgiveness is permanent! No strings attached. There is no other variety! "Just as God forgave " demands we forever loose the charges against a brother. We expect such from God; we must extend the same to a brother.

God forgives conditionally. All God's expansive mercy does not argue against conditions for forgiveness. God always placed repentance before forgiveness. There has never been unilateral forgiveness -- God acting without man doing anything. God always first required sinners to " turn to God, and do works befitting repentance "(Act.26:20). God did much to induce repentance, but no forgiveness was ever granted before or without repentance. That is how God forgives! -- the only way God forgives!

What did Jesus say of those who refused to repent and come to him? "you will die in your sins” (Jno.8:24) -- unforgiven. He also said of them: "where I go you cannot come "(8:21). -- lost. "Just as God forgave " says we are also to seek -- expect -- require repentance so forgiveness may follow. Some expect Christians to be more benevolent – more merciful than God. God does not forgive without repentance; neither does he require others to do so. Jesus said: "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him"(Lk.17:3-4). Notice, "if he repents." In no way does this excuse using repentance as an excuse for an unmerciful heart -- it is not a scapegoat for not seeking to forgive. No one learned any such thing from God! Remember, "just as God forgave " demands "willing " and "aggressive " overtures to forgive.