Psalm 130:4 reads, “But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.”
Not far from New York City is a cemetery with a grave with just one word on the headstone: FORGIVEN. There is nothing else—no name, no date of birth, no designation as father, mother, son, or daughter, no mention of praise for the departed—just forgiven. And yet, what greater word could be written above our last resting place on this earth? But if I were to add one other, it would be the word “forgive.” Forgiven and forgive belong together, just as Jesus placed them together when He taught us how to pray, “…and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” (Matthew 6:12).
Sinning, either in thought or deed, is the sad result of our fallen nature. And when you have been on the receiving end, you know how bad it can hurt. But let me ask, “Has anyone wronged you as much as you have wronged God?” The answer is no. We have committed incalculable offenses against God, both knowingly and unknowingly.
When we forgive, we are the beneficiaries because it releases you and me. It opens the prison door of anger and bitterness wide, allowing us to move forward in complete freedom. It liberates us to love as Jesus loves and models His character to the world.
Christ forgives—past, present, and future—and in love, gratitude, and obedience to Him, we must go and do likewise.
