Forgive

Forgive (by David Peterson at The Rock Of Jesus Church)

Jesus and His disciples have left Jerusalem for nearby Bethany where they would spend the night. On their way back to Jerusalem the next morning they observe a dying fig tree that Jesus had cursed because it did not produce fruit. Peter reminds Jesus of this event to which Jesus responds with a rebuke to the disciple’s lack of faith.

Jesus then pivots to the subject of forgiveness when He says, in Mark 11:25-26; “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you for your offenses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your offenses.” Jesus clearly tells them to forgive both believers, and unbelievers, and to keep an attitude of forgiveness, and faith, as part of a prayer practice.

The always insightful and poignant Pastor Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote this about forgiveness; “So the Cross does not merely tell us that God forgives, it tells us that that is God’s way of making forgiveness possible. It is the way in which we understand how God forgives. I will go further: How can God forgive and still remain God? – That is the question. The Cross is the vindication of God. The Cross is the vindication of the character of God. The Cross not only shows the love of God more gloriously than anything else, it shows His righteousness, His justice, His holiness, and all the glory of His eternal attributes. They are all to be seen shining together there. If you do not see them all you have not seen the Cross.” Lloyd-Jones relates that the evidence that God forgives came from Jesus’ sacrificial work on the cross.

Hymn writer, Will L. Thompson wrote “Softly and Tenderly” in 1880 and his fourth verse is;

O for the wonderful love He has promised,

promised for you and for me

Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,

pardon for you and for me.

Thompson highlights Christ’s merciful love for us by granting us forgiveness for our transgressions.

Let us pray: Gracious Jesus, as you forgive us allow us to freely and lovingly forgive others. In this regard, remind us, as often as necessary, that we get what we give! Amen.