Forgive as You Have Been Forgiven

Pause & Reflect

“Forgive each other... even as Christ forgave you.” Forgiveness is central to Christian relationships because forgiven people are called to become forgiving people. But forgiveness is often misunderstood. Forgiveness does not mean saying the wrong did not matter. It does not require calling evil good. It does not necessarily restore trust immediately. It does not always require returning a relationship to its previous form. Forgiveness releases personal vengeance into God's hands. It says: “I will not make repayment my life's mission.” Sometimes forgiveness happens quickly. Sometimes deep wounds require repeated surrender as memories and emotions resurface. The foundation remains Christ. We forgive not because the offence was insignificant, but because we ourselves live by extraordinary mercy.