The Most Radical Expression of Love is Forgiveness

Forgiveness . . .

Love is forgiveness. Is there any better way to show love to someone than to forgive them? That’s what Jesus did. He came into the world to show us how to live. In coming, He forgave every sin. On the cross, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”

He was mistreated, misquoted, betrayed, whipped, and beaten. Jesus forgave. He knows how it feels when we are mistreated, misquoted, betrayed, whipped, and beaten. He asks us to forgive. Jesus lived and showed us that love is forgiveness.

. . . releases the offender

Forgiveness says “I love you” by not keeping score. It doesn’t mean the offended trusts the offender, nor does it mean the offender is automatically welcomed back into the same circles where the offense took place. Forgiveness does, however, mean there is no record of the offense.

Forgiveness does not remove consequences, and it doesn’t wipe out the evidence or pain. Forgiveness is the release of resentment, score-keeping, anger, and bitterness. It does not mean reconciliation takes place, nor does it mean reconciliation can’t take place. Reconciliation is not guaranteed just because one forgives.

. . . frees the offended

When an offended person keeps remembering the wrong, keeps track and plans retaliation, he’s a prisoner of the offender. His focus becomes the offender instead of his own soul. When he no longer has to keep a record or keep score, he is free.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean you trust the person who hurt you, nor does it mean that your relationship is instantly restored. It simply means you are no longer a prisoner of your own anger and pain. Go ahead. Get out of prison.

Makes all things new

It is wrong for a believer to harbor anger, resentment, and bitterness. It is also unloving. When we do this, we are prisoners – and we are miserable. We don’t have to like someone to love them. Forgiveness is not a choice. It’s mandatory for the Christian. It’s also the only way to be truly free.

You want to get rid of that hold on your life? Then forgive.  You want to be free from the burden of anger and keeping score? Then forgive. Be radical. The most radical expression of love is forgiveness!

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