In the Bible the greek word “forgiveness” means literally to “let go.” What comes to mind when you think about forgiveness? Do you think about forgiveness as something YOU need or forgiveness as something you need to GIVE to another?
Most of us have experienced both sides of this. True forgiveness can, at times, be gut-wrenching, soul-searching, and may almost seem “impossible” to achieve. We wrestle with whether or not our sin is too much. Will God REALLY forgive me? Why would HE forgive me when I can’t forgive myself? The hurt or pain caused by another may be so great, so deeply imbedded with who we have become, forgiveness seems out of reach.
But friends, God does forgive and you are worthy of forgiveness. You are so precious and loved, God does not want you buried in hurt, shame, or resentment because when you are, you can’t experience the joy that comes from Him. Dr. Michael Milton writes that “Forgivenesses is an incomparably powerful solvent that cuts through even generations of hatred, years of guilt, and deep-rooted spirits of bitterness.” It is not always easy to work through the process of forgiveness, sometimes it may seem easier to remain “stuck” but this keeps you from experiencing a spiritually balanced life and true joy.
I am not short on experience in this area. There was a specific time in my life that changed how I walked with God, when I had to forgive myself for something that I felt I was unworthy to be forgiven for. At the time I was young and learning more about who God was and developing a more personal relationship with Him. It was difficult to believe God truly loved me so much and truly thought I was special. I wrestled with God’s word and what was promised by Him. I came to know that the unforgiveness of myself was actually keeping me from a closer relationship with HIM. It took learning about God’s word to realize that the wall I had built around my heart to protect myself was actually keeping me from experiencing true inner peace and joy God can only give. Once I truly understood this, I had to lay my burdens at His feet and release them from my heart. I had to walk through a process of forgiveness. This took time to truly feel and to heal, maybe because I kept questioning Him and His promises to me, or maybe because I didn’t feel worthy, but for whatever reason, I remember this certain struggle and the process. This trial changed me and changed my heart and the way I view a personal relationship with God. I now know for certain He promised I would be fulfilled and He kept that promise. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I am here to tell you this is possible and it is worth it to do the work. You are worth it. I realized when I simply asked for God’s help and admitted I was struggling, He took the thing I was struggling with and said, “You are forgiven, I love you and I am washing this away.” What a gracious and glorious God we serve!
King David, who restored a nation to peace, experienced a time in his personal life when he was in great need of great forgiveness. He was guilty of terrible sins-adultery, murder, and lying. He slept with another man's wife and tried to cover up what he had done with deception. When that failed he planned to get another man killed. He used the power he had as a king and exploited his position in terrible ways. But he didn’t get away with it. God sent one of his prophets to David, who pointed out what he had done was wrong and there would be consequences. God was going to punish David because of what he had done. And in response, David acknowledged his sin and repented.
The joy had gone from his life. The pleasure he was looking for when he wanted Bathsheba had suddenly changed as he went down a steep spiral. His life had become entangled in sin.
David came to understand that real joy could only be found in a relationship with God. David came to know what forgiveness in Christ meant. He came to know what he truly needed and what truly mattered and that he was flawed. He called on God not just to forgive him, but to change him. To make his thoughts and feelings pure, to help him to be firmly committed to this new path so he wouldn’t fall into this path of sinning again. David wanted his joy back and he knew the need for a pure heart.
God doesn’t keep a list, when He forgives, He forgives completely. David went on to write Psalm 51, a Psalm that gives valuable insight into his character and offers hope for us all.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Forgiveness is promised in the New Covenant. God says He will “Forgive their iniquity, and ….remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:34. When he breaks the bread and pours the cup, this is what is happening. Jesus is the Lamb of the New Covenant. This is for you. This is for me.
After graduating from Ole Miss, Carrie Tracy and her husband moved to Japan and Spain before settling in their hometown of Cape Girardeau. Together they have two sons, a labrador and a turtle. She is the Executive Director of The Tailor Institute, a nonprofit for high-functioning individuals on the Autism Spectrum. In her free time, she loves to spend time with family and do anything creative.
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