What are some false substitutes for forgiving?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 5, Forgive as God Forgave You, Question 1, p. 71
Forgiveness is a challenging aspect of human relationships, often misunderstood and misrepresented, even by Christians. One common misconception is the belief that constantly reminding someone of their wrongdoings or vowing never to forget their transgressions is synonymous with forgiveness. Or saying the words “I forgive you” while continually recalling the incident. This practice stands in dramatic contrast to the biblical understanding of forgiveness as illustrated in the following verses.
Jeremiah 31:34 states, "And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." This verse highlights the essence of divine forgiveness—God not only forgives but also chooses to no longer recall our sins or hold them against us. The act of recalling past wrongdoings contradicts God's example and impedes the healing process that true forgiveness offers.
Psalm 103:8-10 further reinforces this concept: "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities." These verses depict God's merciful nature and His willingness to absolve us without holding our sins against us perpetually. This divine mercy teaches us that forgiveness involves letting go of anger and resentment, rather than keeping a mental ledger of grievances.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we are reminded of the transformative power of forgiveness: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." Forgiveness, as a reflection of our new life in Christ, requires us to release the past and embrace the present with a renewed heart. Holding onto past transgressions undermines our spiritual renewal and growth.
Lastly, 2 Corinthians 5:21 illustrates the ultimate act of forgiveness: "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Jesus' sacrifice exemplifies the depth of God's forgiveness, removing our sins entirely and granting us righteousness. True forgiveness mirrors this divine act by releasing others from the burden of their past mistakes and fostering a spirit of reconciliation.
Recalling past wrongdoings or declaring "I will never let you forget what you did!" is a false substitute for forgiveness. Genuine forgiveness, as taught in the Bible, involves letting go, no longer recalling, and embracing a new beginning. By following God's example of mercy and grace, we can foster healthier, more loving relationships that reflect the transformative power of true forgiveness.
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
Bible study format through Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation OR Go and Be Reconciled: What Does This Mean?
Downloadable and reproducible version of Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation
Seminar format for either Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation or Go and Be Reconciled: What Does This Mean?
Webinar format for Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation or Go and Be Reconciled: What Does This Mean?
FREE Recorded webinar format for Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation
FREE Online course: Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation Self Study
Comments