Description
Matthew 18:21-25
The ability to forgive is one of the most important Christian attributes one can possess. It is not optional nor is it contingent. A woman was having a conversation with her pastor following the worship service one Sunday. She said to him, “I cannot forgive him for what he has done until he comes to me and repents and says he is sorry for what he has done.” She was putting conditions on the forgiveness and could not find it in her heart to forgive. It is clear that God’s forgiveness is a gift of grace that has no limitations and is not bound by conditions. Forgiveness certainly does not mean acceptance of sin, abuse, and violence against us. It does not give people license to hurt us or exercise strength and power over us. God’s unconditional love displayed in the person of Jesus Christ gives us a blueprint to live by. Forgiveness is a gracious gift. As Christ has forgiven us, we, too, are called to forgive one another