Forgive as He Has Forgiven You
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
Luke 23:32–34
Your forgiveness of others must not be based on their actions toward you, but on Christ’s action toward you.
The great pastor of yesteryear, Andrew Murray, once wrote out this prayer to God:
To forgive like Thee, blessed Son of God! I take this as the law of my life. Thou who hast given the command, givest also the power. Thou who hadst love enough to forgive me, wilt also fill me with love and teach me to forgive others. Thou who dist give me the first blessings, in the joy of having my sins forgiven, wilt surly give me the second blessing, and deeper joy of forgiving others as thou hast forgiven me. Oh, fill me with the faith in the power of thy love in me, to make me like Thyself, to enable me to forgive the seventy times seven, and so to love and bless all around me.
O My Jesus, Thy example is my law: I must be like Thee. And Thy example is my gospel too. I can be as Thou art. Thou art at once my law and my life. What Thou demandest of me by Thy example, Thou workest in me by Thy life. I shall forgive like Thee.
Lord, only lead me deeper into my dependence on Thee, into all sufficiency of Thy grace and the blessed keeping which comes from Thy indwelling. Then shall I believe and prove the all-prevailing power of love. I shall forgive even as Christ has forgiven me. Amen.
Forgiveness is sometimes the hardest thing to do in life. It is not natural and is not easily accomplished, for to forgive is to humble oneself and release bitterness and hurt. When wronged or hurt, we naturally feel the desire for revenge or feel bitterness, but God desires us to ignore those feelings and forgive as He has forgiven us.
How unconditional is Christ’s forgiveness? Consider the scene at Calvary for a minute. Among the common criminals was Jesus, a man who had done no wrong and yet was sentenced to death. In the midst of the pain and suffering He felt, the Lord begged His Father for the forgiveness of His accusers. What He spent His life preaching, He acted out in His last moments on earth.
Jesus’ death on the Cross is the ultimate picture of forgiveness. He bore what He did not deserve and willingly forgave the sins committed against Him.
How do you handle injustices in your life? Do you lash out in anger and bitterness, or do you forgive as Christ has forgiven you? Your forgiveness of others should not be based on their actions toward you, but on Christ’s action toward you.
Examine your heart for any bitterness right now. If you haven’t yet forgiven someone, make that right today. Call, email, write, or visit them and forgive them because God has forgiven you each time that you have sinned against Him.
To find out more about Pastor Paul Chappell visit his blog or follow him on twitter.
To learn more about Pastor Chappell's books, Sunday school curriculum, and spiritual leadership resources, please visit strivingtogether.com.
Daily Bible Reading
Deuteronomy 1-3 • Mark 10:32-52
