There are not many gifts that we give and receive in kind; neither are there many gifts that our receiving of is dependent on our giving.

Forgiveness is such a gift.

Jesus taught His disciples to pray in Luke 11, verses 2-4: “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.”

Jesus reiterates this in Matthew 18:35 when He speaks of the servant who received much forgiveness, yet granted none. That servant was put in bondage because of his churlishness. Jesus said, “My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

In the New Testament book of Acts, chapter 20, verse 35, Paul quoted Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Most of us in our humanity give those words a passing glance as we look forward to our next gift.

So it is with forgiveness.

We gladly receive the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as payment for our sins and enter into His forgiveness, yet hold grudges and bitterness against people and God for circumstances in our lives.

Forgiveness from God for our sins cannot be earned, or there would have been no reason for the cross. Ephesians 4:32 declares, “. . . God in Christ forgave you.” The shed blood of Jesus Christ covers all our sin, and His forgiveness is complete. We can add nothing to it, nor take anything away.

It is incredulous to think that we could freely receive such a gift from God and not pass it on to others. In the epistle to the Christ-followers at Corinth, Paul called them “babes in Christ” because there was so much envy, strife, and divisions among them (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Obviously, these people had received forgiveness in Christ, but had not extended that same gift to fellow believers. The full benefit of forgiveness received cannot be realized until we give as freely as we have received.

This could be illustrated by someone buying a new high performance car, parking it in the driveway, sitting in it, but never starting it up and driving it. They have it, but they are not enjoying it.

A good practice is to pray The Lord’s Prayer as written the gospel of Luke, chapter 11, every day.

A better practice is to forgive every day as we have been forgiven.

 

Dan Puckett works with road team operations at Life Action Ministries in Buchanan, Michigan.