I’m not sure how to handle
forgiveness. The culture tells me I’m entitled to my grudges, my animosity, my
lifelong hate against someone who wronged me. My friends tell me that I
shouldn’t allow that one person back into my life—much less forgive them. That
it’s idiotic for us to be close friends after the devastating breakup. That the
walls I build are justified.
Christ and his kingdom step in and call me quite clearly,
against the expectations of the world, to tell an alternate story. To forgive
seventy times seven, yes, but also to be perfect as my Father is perfect. And
yes, that’s great, and yes, I tell myself that I have forgiven and so fulfilled
the letter of the law but I still hold a seed of hatred in my heart. I beg off
forgiving completely, because they hurt me, they used me, whatever the
situation may be, I’m completely and undeniably justified.
And recently, all that’s been thrown back in my face.
Because the letter of the law is there, but no spirit, no heart. This was never
and should never have been about me. Rob said in class that forgiveness is the
most important tool we have to give people a foretaste of the kingdom, and I’ve
been focusing much too hard on myself and my hurt to realize that I should be
extending an open hand, declaring boldly that
the kingdom of God is near. No
reservations or qualifications. No second guessing. This is about as
countercultural as I have ever been. It is everything the world is telling me
not to do.
But that is exactly what Christ is calling me to do.
I forgive you. The kingdom of God is at hand.
Anna
thanks guys! sharing this was definitely not on my top list of things I wanted to do (being vulnerable never is) but I felt like it was something I needed to get out, ha. radical forgiveness is tough, in any situation, but you never quite know how countercultural it is until you have to deal with the awkwardness and weirdness of it.
Anna, this is lovely. I truly believe in the power of radical forgiveness as a tool for showing the world the beauty of the Kingdom. Forgiveness is not something you need to come to on your own – forgiveness is something the Spirit will continue to work out through your life when you do not have the strength to forgive on your own.
This is poignant, Anna. I felt keenly your raw vulnerability in sharing about both a past pain, as well as the seed of hatred you’ve retained. Keep pressing into the spirit of His forgiveness He has imbued you with. I can tell you that it is an ongoing, long-term journey.
It’s so easy to forget the power that forgiveness has in our lives and in the lives of others. It is the source of personal freedom, compelling joy and irrational love. In light of the grace God has poured out on us, we are able to share it with others, giving them a glimpse into the love of God. This is where the power of the Gospel lies. What a wonderful reminder!
Thank you for your gracious reminder and authenticity about how hard it is to forgive. When we forgive, we are reminded of the beauty in relationship with God; what he does to us multiple times a day we then get to go share and take part in. God is good.
This is beautiful Anna! Forgiveness is, in some senses, both the easiest and hardest way for us to be truly counter-cultural and witness to the Kingdom.
Good thoughts Anna. I appreciate your candor.
Wow Anna, I love what you wrote. Forgiveness is so difficult and is totally something supernatural because I know I could not forgive if it was left up to my own power! It is much easier in the moment to go along with what the world says and remain in unforgiveness, but you are so right, forgiveness is a kingdom thing…it is really all about Jesus and the fact that He is calling us to live life in a different and more freeing way!