For most of us, radical (extreme, far-reaching) forgiveness can be a painful struggle. Right now, you may be wrestling with thoughts of imparting or perhaps receiving forgiveness. One inspiring story of radical forgiveness is that of former South African President Nelson Mandela. He was sentenced to prison in 1963 for his objection to Apartheid (in South Africa - a policy or system of segregation or discrimination on grounds of race) where he was gravely tortured. Mandela spent 27 years in prison and when he was finally released in 1990, called not for revenge but for forgiveness and reconciliation.
Radical forgiveness is the act of pardoning an offender. The Greek work translated “forgiveness” means “to let go” or “not demanding payment for a debt”. Jesus explained this more when he taught his disciples to pray: “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.” (Luke 11:4). Also in the parable of the unmerciful servant, Jesus taught forgiveness as a means of canceling a debt. (Matthew 18:23-35).
Why should you forgive? There are many reasons. Numerous studies have shown the correlation of high blood pressure, cancer and other health issues with a lack of forgiveness. In short, forgiveness is essential to one’s health and well-being. The Lord commands us to forgive others just as Christ has forgiven us. If we do not forgive others, we do not deserve to be forgiven by God (Mark 11:25 and Colossians 3:13).
When we forgive we rid ourselves from anger, resentment and hurt. Radically forgiving others demonstrate the character of God to the world. Forgiveness makes the world a better place. How much pain, suffering, world wars, home problems, personal quarrels and fighting would be avoided if people were willing to forgive?
We have all heard that we should forgive but the question remains. How? Should we just ‘let things go’? When we think of the pain and hurt done to us by others (who probably never have apologized or shown regret) it can be extremely difficult to forgive. The only way to truly forgive others is to come to an understanding of God’s forgiveness toward us. Isaiah 53:6 reminds us “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” In order to forgive us Christ had to carry the full penalty for sin “For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
We must fall at the foot of the cross (dying to self) and wrestle with God (sometimes in pain and tears) to give us the spirit and grace (which is indeed sufficient) to forgive others who have insulted or hurt us. Should you struggle with a spirit of revenge remember Jesus’s antidote in Matthew 5:38-42 of turning the other cheek after being smitten on the one, giving your cloak after being sued and having your coat taken away and going two miles when compelled to go one.
At the same time we must be able to distinguish between governmental and religious affairs and sin and crime in relation to forgiveness. 1 Peter 2:13-14 reminds us that leaders are responsible for punishing evil doers. A woman may forgive her abuser but that doesn’t mean that the perpetrator escapes being punished by law. As Christians we must prayerfully ask God to teach us to distinguish between radically forgiving others and concurrently respecting governmental authority (Romans 13:1-7).
Might there be someone you need to forgive? Consider picking up that phone, writing that email or letter, or prayerfully facing the one (s) you need to forgive and as God gives you the grace, you may say from your heart, “I forgive you, with my whole heart I forgive you!” The tears may flow but what blessed peace and assurance flood your soul. As you release that forgiveness you will (perhaps for a long time) experience “as you have forgiven others so have I, your Heavenly Father have forgiven you.”
“When one turns away from human imperfections to behold Jesus, a divine transformation takes place in the character. The Spirit of Christ working upon the heart conforms it to His image. Then let it be your effort to lift up Jesus. Let the mind's eye be directed to “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. And as you engage in this work, remember that “he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:20. COL 250.3.
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