How can we define forgiveness? Forgiveness comes from the heart of a person. One can choose to forgive or not to forgive. One definition of forgiveness is that it is a choice one makes to no longer judge a person as guilty but to make every effort to love that person even though he or she deserves to be punished. The apostle Paul wrote the perfect definition:
“Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ.” (Ephesians 4:32)
A close look at that verse shows that God chose to forgive us, we who are guilty of sin, by sending Jesus Christ to save us. Paul wrote another letter to the Romans in which he said,
“When people sin they earn what sin pays—death. But God gives his people a free gift—eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
According to our definition, forgiveness is choosing to do good to someone who does wrong. That is exactly what God did for us. We deserve the punishment of death, but God made the choice to give us a free gift, life. A gift is not something that someone earns. We do not earn forgiveness. We earn punishment. Thanks be to God for having a heart of love and compassion to no longer judge us guilty but to forgive us.
Now, we humans also have a choice to make regarding forgiveness. Forgiveness is one of the hardest things a Christian must do. If the guilty person apologizes it makes forgiveness easier. But sometimes we must look deep down in our hearts to forgive someone before he or she asks for it. Again, the words of Paul come to mind.
“Christ died for us when we were unable to help ourselves. We were living against God, but at just the right time Christ died for us. Very few people will die to save the life of someone else, even if it is for a good person. But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and in that way God showed how much he loves us.” (Romans 5:6-8)
Christ chose to die for guilty people. I don’t know about you but I’m not sure I could die for another person. I think I could die for someone I love. But to die for a no good, bad person, who continues to do bad things—no way. God chose a different way—forgiveness. Paul said,
“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)