Parenting/Bible Discussions/Resources
By Summer Lane
Photo: Deposit
When someone wrongs us, what do we do? Do we hold onto that hurt until we turn bitter? Do we say we have forgiven someone and deep down, we haven’t?
No matter how you slice it, forgiveness is hard. Whether we have been hurt by someone and need to dole out forgiveness or WE have done the hurting and need to ask for forgiveness, these actions require charity, humility, and maturity. It can be embarrassing to ask for forgiveness, and it can be humbling to give it to someone who has irreparably damaged our lives.
When forgiveness feels impossible, we must turn to the example that Jesus Christ set for us on the cross. When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sinned against him, Christ replied, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matt. 6:15)
We forgive, because Christ first forgave us. Without His initial mercy and grace upon the world, there would be no example for us to look upon and no lesson to be learned. But Christ, who was scorned and ultimately put to death by the very people He came to save, understands all-too-well that humanity can be cruel and wounding.
Ephesians 4:32 instructs us, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Forgiveness is not just a one time thing. It’s an ongoing practice that we must all participate it, whether we have offended someone or they have offended us. A sign of Christian maturity is the ability to truly forgive – but it’s easier said than done. Old wounds run deep, and whether it’s a scarred marriage or an abusive family member, what does it take to truly take – from the bottom of our hearts and the deepest recesses of our souls – to forgive as Christ commands?
Consider the wise advice of Carolyn Jones and Brad Hambrick – both have dealt with many different aspects of forgiveness from a Biblical perspective, and both have a treasure trove of helpful advice on the subject. Don’t miss out on these integral interviews. The information just might change your life!
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32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
(Matthew 18:32-35. The Parable of The Unmerciful Servant)
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Carolyn Jones
Is it possible to forgive even the worst offender? This is a concept that is easy to discuss but difficult to put into practice. Forgiveness is something that Inez Heller Jones writes about in her book, They Call Me Blessed! An Empty Nester’s Inspirational, True Story of Prayer, Faith, and Endurance. Although Inez has passed away, her daughter Carolyn Jones discusses the impact her mother’s story has had on many marriages – a story of love, adultery, pain, grief, and ultimately, God’s gracious mercy and love. Carolyn’s mother completely put her faith in God’s Word, and only then was she able to weather the major storm in her life. Inez’s testimony is a beautiful reminder of the love and strength God gives His children when they are faithful to Him. Inez chose to forgive and the ending to this story is nothing short of miraculous!
Brad Hambrick
Sometimes the process of forgiving others can make it feel like God has lost patience with us. We may feel like He has “switched teams,” or that He has more time for others than He does for us – but this is a lie! Forgiveness is central to the Christian message, says Brad Hambrick, the pastor of counseling at The Summit Church. He talks about the definition of forgiveness: canceling a debt. Forgiveness is telling someone, “Christ died for what you did, and that’s enough for me.” That doesn’t mean you have to excuse any hurtful action against you, but it does give you the freedom to let go of the pain and give it to the Lord. Brad also shares practical steps you can take when you are caught in a cycle of repetitive hurts inflicted by someone close to you. Forgiveness is ultimately a process that takes time and effort.
Summer Lane is the #1 bestselling author of 30 books, including the hit Collapse Series and Resurrection Series. She is an experienced journalist and editor who is covering the White House and Trump administration. She owns Write Revolution News.
Summer is also a mom and wife who enjoys rural country living, herding cats, and gardening. She is passionate about writing on women’s issues, parenting, and politics from a theologically-grounded perspective that points readers to the good news of the gospel.
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