Forgiveness is the most powerful weapon we have to bring retribution and reconciliation; even more powerful than we think. When we believe others have done something wrong to us or injured us our typical inclination is to get back or get even in some way or another. But forgiveness cleanses your heart in more ways than you might think. We typically feel we have the right to inflict some sort of punishment; whether it’s through silence, alienation or acts of aggression. Unfortunately, it sets in motion fallout from unforgiveness; which says “you owe me.” In reality, you have shut off the fountain of God’s grace; or held His hand of blessing in restraint. God would rather invoke His blessings upon you; but you have removed God from His position of being your advocate to fight for justice on your behalf.
RELEVANCE
There is a reason in the Hebrew Scriptures or Old Testament God says, “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense” (Deuteronomy 32:35). God views Himself as Sovereign authority and He alone sits in the seat of ultimate judgment. In His love He determined to keep His children free from blame; free to be peacemakers. He reserves the authority to judge and decree righteous judgment, for He alone has perfect knowledge of the hearts and motivations of man, and is able to determine the appropriate time and way of executing righteous retribution.
Under the Law of Moses, the priest would offer up a blood sacrifice and make atonement for sins committed against God or others. Unforgiveness would fall under the latter category. Under the New Covenant, Jesus, the High Priest, has already paid the debt with His blood.
What does that really mean? The penalty for the sin of unforgiveness has been paid in full. Jesus has paid your debt in advance. The believer, however, must appropriate—take possession or receive—that redemption; not through a blood sacrifice, but by actively forgiving. That’s why Jesus exhorted believers to forgive. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15).
Under the New Covenant, God holds you directly responsible for forgiving. Jesus has paid your debt in full; but God holds you accountable for calling it forward and receiving restitution. Until you do, the Holy Spirit is grieved, deprived of liberty. The debt remains on your account, so to say. So in reality, the debt to God keeps you in restraint—a form of bondage—until you execute forgiveness. Then God executes His release and blessing—in His way.
The apostle Paul spoke on how God views the subject in light of Christ’s redemption.
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord” (Romans 12:17-19).
Under the New Covenant, God has appropriated Christ’s honor to you. That’s why it’s so important to be a peacemaker, walking in that honor. As Paul exhorted, “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work” (Colossians 1:10).
Walking worthy is walking in humility, conscious of having been given the grace of Christ’s atonement, walking with a preemptive attitude of doing all that you can to live in peace with others. In such a manner, you are not “overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). None of us are perfect, but we have access to this amazing grace.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Think about what it means to retain the appropriation of the debt Christ has paid for your sin of unforgiveness. As you retain the appropriation, your true freedom—the release of peace and a clear conscience—is restrained. How much better to forgive!
REFERENCES
Romans 12:9-21