From the USA, Haydon Murr shares his thoughts on forgiveness, and how we often prefer to punish people rather than forgive them.
One time Jesus told a story about an unforgiving servant (Mt. 18: 21-35). The crux of it is that we should extend the same forgiveness towards others as we have received ourselves.
Regardless of that, how many of us have sought to punish those who have hurt us or sinned against us by ‘turning off our love’: withdrawing from or breaking off relationship? Sometimes even unknowingly and subconsciously! Because somewhere deep within us we still think that punishment rather than forgiveness is an appropriate response!
Just this morning I realized that because I felt that Alison had treated me rather harshly the other day I had actually withdrawn from her and this was me trying to “punish” her.
Here’s a profound truth: God is not into punishment! I would go further than that (you may need to sit down for this), His children (that’s you & I) are quite simply ‘un-punishable‘! That may be hard to comprehend, but Isaiah had this to say:
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5 NIV)
If the work of the Cross is sufficient for all of us, then there remains no place for punishment for those who believe. The need for punishment has been exhausted, only forgiveness that comes from love remains.
So I had better forgive Alison if I want to bring in the Kingdom!
And John puts it best when he wrote:
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18 NIV)
Let’s remember who we are & what God has done for us.
Why not take a minute to stand in front of a mirror right now, & say this:
Daddy, I thank you that you love me & have forgiven me; that means I’m free to love others & forgive them. Thank you that you don’t want to punish me & have made me un-punishable in your son Jesus; I’m choosing today not to punish others if they hurt me, but to extend forgiveness out of love instead.