“Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” (Ephesians 4:31–32)
I can’t tell you how many people have come into my office over the years for prayer and counseling, describing their hurt. I will explain to them: “You need to forgive.” Invariably they will reply with something like: “They ruined my life! You don’t know how they hurt me!”
My response is always the same…they are still ruining your life. They are still hurting you. Forgiveness is God’s way of stopping the pain, leaving the past behind, and reconnecting with God.
In this sermon series we’re talking about “Waging peace.” We are peacemakers. We’re reconciled with God…and with each other. But in our world that loves conflict…thrives on it…vengeance and retribution are the norm. Forgiveness is a foreign concept.
Forgiveness is the heart of reconciliation. Still, we shout, “That’s not fair! Where’s the justice? Why should I let them off the hook?”
We’ll talk about all of this on Sunday…but here’s my short answer. You’re right, it isn’t fair. Justice is at the cross. And if you don’t forgive, you are still hooked to them…and what they did to you
This is a hard discussion…but one we need to have. Join us Sunday and we’ll talk!
