Forgiveness is a touchy subject. We’re taught in church to forgive others, but it’s difficult to put into practice. I carried around unforgiveness for a family member from childhood into adulthood without even realizing it. That unforgiveness turned into bitterness.

Lord Jesus tells us to forgive others. (Mark 11:25) He adds this: “so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.” We are to forgive so that we can be forgive by God. Holding unforgiveness is sin. Sin hurts us and leads to death. (Romans 6:23)

It is especially important to forgive others and repent of unforgiveness while praying. (Mark 11:25)

Mark 11:26 says, “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.” So there is a problem between you and God when you do not forgive others.

Who are these others? People from your church, your family, your neighbors. They are policemen, doctors, lawyers, nurses, firemen, businessmen. They are thieves, murderers, and kidnappers.

Some may be more difficult to forgive than others. That is our human nature, but God calls us to be like Him and forgive, just as He forgives us.

On October 2, 2006, Charles Roberts IV killed six Amish girls at the West Nickel Mines School, he injured several others before committing suicide. It shocked the country. More astounding was the way the Old Order Amish responded—with forgiveness, toward the dead gunman, his wife, and his parents, who were well connected with the Amish community. The Amish live out the Words of Jesus, especially in the area of forgiveness. They believe that it’s not just a change of heart, but actions too that matter. We’d call that their “fruit.” This happened within a short time after their children died.

The Amish gave money to a charitable fund for Roberts’ children. They attended his funeral. One Amish man spent the first minutes with the gunman’s father, comforting him. They put actions behind their words.

In Amish Grace, the authors write that the Amish know that forgiveness isn’t easy, and that God’s forgiveness of them is tied to their ability to forgive others. “They devote significant energy to train their children in forgiveness.” (pp. 113-114) They must accept God’s will and give up the right of revenge. It is a way of life. (pp.115-116)

The act of forgiveness is unexpected to the world; groups from around the world came to see the Amish and learn about their ability to forgive. Their fruit is a testimony of Jesus.

Matthew 6:12, a verse of The Lord’s Prayer states, “‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.’” Forgive our debtors—those who have trespassed against us, in any way, shape or form.

The Lord continues speaking about forgiveness just after His prayer, verses 14-15: “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.”

Corrie ten Boom’s family died in Nazi concentration camps; she alone survived to tell of what God did inside the barbed wire. Corrie later had to travel into Germany where she met face to face with one of her male camp guards. Corrie had to forgive him. He had become a brother in Christ.

Elizabeth Eliot carried on her husband’s missionary work in Ecuador, forgiving the men who murdered him. Those men later became believers, fruit of her work and forgiveness.

An innocent black man, Botham Jean was shot by off duty white female police officer Amber Guyger. Guyger was found guilty in 2019. Botham’s brother, Brandt Jean, testified of his forgiveness for Guyger during her court hearing, saying “I forgive you,” “The best thing for you to do would be to give your life to Christ,” and “I love you.” This too shocked the nation.

Forgiveness is tied not to emotions, but to an act. Forgiveness, a way of God, mends friendships, builds relationships and stops destruction and division.

Have you forgiven?

LOOK UP!

ADULTERY, BIGAMY AND GOD