A COMMUNITY THAT FORGIVES

“Forgive, forget. Bear with the faults of others as you would have them bear with yours. Be patient and understanding. Life is too short to be vengeful or malicious.” – Phillips Brooks.

Forgiveness is our calling. Jesus calls us to make forgiveness a way of life as we follow Him. Jesus taught His followers to “…forgive one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). He offered them a model prayer that includes the phrase, “forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” (Matthew 6:12).  In Matthew 18:22, where Jesus instructs Peter to forgive “seventy times seven.” or 490 times.

Forgiveness, especially when it feels impossible, is an act of God’s power and love in our lives. On our own, it’s beyond our capability. But with God, we can accomplish things we never thought possible, including forgiving what the world may consider unforgivable. Jesus commands us in Matthew 6:14-15, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” This shows that forgiveness is not just a suggestion. Forgiveness is presented as a fundamental concept in Christianity, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the example of God’s forgiveness.

In moments when it feels impossible to forgive, we must remember what Jesus did on the cross. As He was being crucified, an innocent man bearing the weight of humanity’s sins, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). If Jesus could forgive on the cross, how much more are we called to extend that same grace?

The healthy church embodies forgiveness. The church should be a community where forgiveness is practiced and extended. By embodying forgiveness, the church can be a powerful witness to the transformative power of grace. Jesus taught about forgiveness as a way of being in the community as the church – the body of Christ.

If we are committed to living in community, we have to recognize that we will inevitably hurt, annoy, and anger one another. We will create resentments. And unless we are going to walk away from each other or sit in distant seats on Sundays and refuse to interact, we will need to learn how to forgive as a way of being together. This is the only way the church community can thrive and provide a paradigm or model for the larger community. It is something the world desperately needs.

Each time we can bring ourselves to forgive another person, the act of letting go leads us in the direction of deeper relationships and a more connected community, and also to greater strength in forgiving in the future.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some common misunderstandings or myths about forgiveness that can hinder its practice within the church?
2. In what ways does God model forgiveness to us through Christ, and how can the church embody this same spirit of grace and mercy? 
3. What steps can individuals take to cultivate a forgiving heart and be more intentional about extending forgiveness to those who have wronged them?