Whenever you stand up to pray, you must forgive what others have done to you. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your sins.
Mark 11: 25 (CEV)
Scripture: Matthew 18: 21-35
This devotion is the third in the four-part When We’ve Been Wronged series. If we are not to react in revenge, what attitude should believers have when someone has wronged them? This devotion looks at forgiveness.
To read devotions in the When We’ve Been Wronged series, click the buttons below.
Cliff Notes
- God calls us to do the exact opposite of what the world thinks is the norm.
Joseph got it. He was able to say, “I forgive you,” without hearing, “we’re sorry.” Jonah didn’t get it. He wanted his enemies mowed down. Joseph was reacting as God would have us react; Jonah was reacting as the world would react.
Counterculture
What God is calling us to do is the direct opposite of what the world feels is the norm. He is calling for forgiveness. Mark 11: 25 says, “Whenever you stand up to pray, you must forgive what others have done to you. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your sins” (CEV).
The world says extract your revenge. At a minimum, it tells you to wait for karma to occur. It does not say show forgiveness.
To Infinity and Beyond
When others wrong us, sometimes we may need to keep forgiving them. In response to a question from Peter asking how many times do we have to forgive another who wrongs us, “Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times’” (Mt. 18: 22-). This is the biblical way of saying “ever how many it takes.” He wants us to have an attitude of forgiveness.
No, I don’t think God expects us to continue in or return to a situation where we keep forgiving the other person, and that person keeps on doing what s/he had been doing wrong. I just saw the meme that said that if you didn’t change your actions after you apologized, you were being manipulative. I agree with that.
The words, “I’m sorry,” are not a get-out-of jail-free card. You have to mean them and change your behavior so that your words match your actions.
But when the person tries to change their ways — and it may not always be easy — we have to forgive them. It is not up to us to sentence them for their crimes. It is our job to love them.
We have to believe that God will address the situation as it should be addressed (I Pet. 2: 21-23). That is on His timetable, in His way. We are called to model Him.
Jesus did turn the “eye for an eye” bit from Exodus 21: 24 on its ear. Matthew 5: 39 says, “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (NIV).
I know, that is so not us! It takes special people to put themselves in harm’s way. Why would we put ourselves up for more abuse?????
Instead, the world says, “Once is on you; twice is on me.” We call it learning from our mistakes. It is more of saving ourselves from those who do not have our best interest in mind.
This isn’t saying be a door mat and let everyone walk all over you. God doesn’t expect us to not stick up for ourselves. It is about our witness and showing how we are different from the world.
It all comes down to Luke 6: 27-28: “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” (NKJV).
Peace
Proverbs 10: 12 tells us why we need to love our enemies. “Hatred stirs up trouble; love overlooks the wrongs that others do” (CEV). No, love doesn’t whitewash them. It says make a choice to put the focus elsewhere. We need to focus on God.
God would prefer that we seek full restoration with those who have wronged us. “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (II Cor. 13: 11 NIV). He is looking for unity.
Seeking revenge and holding grudges takes away our peace. God wants us to live in peace with everyone (Rom. 12: 18). No, He knows that isn’t possible all the time. But that is our goal to work toward.
How Do We Apply This?
What are we miserable about? To whom do we refuse to say they are forgiven?
Why can’t we say, “we’re sorry?” Why do we refuse to admit we were wrong? Why do we feel saying those words spotlight a weakness in us? Why do we think it would be a blow to our pride?
It is very hard for us to forgive others. (Remember what I said when I started this series. This came out of God talking to me.) So, we sit and stew. Are we as stubborn as Joseph’s brothers that it takes us 70 years?
We need to stop wasting time by refusing to give forgiveness. We need to take model God – and live the good, peaceful life.
God. Life is hard. Some may be things we are experiencing because they are consequences for our sins. Some may be the results of actions for others. It is so hard for us to admit when we are wrong. It is so hard to ask for forgiveness. Lord, how can we expect that we will ask Your forgiveness when we fail in asking forgiveness from others? Show us where we need to seek forgiveness – from You and from others. Show us where we need to forgive. Only by doing that can we find contentment in our lives. Use these opportunities to grow our relationships with You. Help us to focus on You and where we need to be. Help us always to remain Christ-like. Lord, You tell us to love our enemies. Help us to do so in these situations. Amen.
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