The Path to Healing

More about The Path to Healing

Forgiveness is a powerful act that can bring healing and freedom to our lives. However, it is not always easy to forgive. When someone has wronged us, it can be tempting to hold onto our anger and resentment, to seek revenge or to withdraw from the relationship altogether. But as followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to a different way of life, a way of love and forgiveness.

In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him, suggesting seven times as a limit. But Jesus responds, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven" (NKJV). Jesus is not suggesting that we literally keep track of how many times we forgive someone, but rather that we should always be willing to forgive, without limit.

When we choose to forgive, we are not excusing the wrong that was done to us. Rather, we are choosing to let go of our anger and resentment, to release the other person from the debt they owe us, and to entrust justice to God. In doing so, we open ourselves up to the healing and freedom that forgiveness brings.

But forgiveness is not just about us and the other person. It is also about our relationship with God. In Colossians 3:13, we are reminded to forgive others "just as Christ forgave you." Through his death and resurrection, Jesus has made it possible for us to be reconciled to God, to be forgiven of our sins and brought into a right relationship with him. When we choose to forgive others, we are participating in this same work of reconciliation, extending the love and forgiveness that we have received from God to others.

Choosing forgiveness is not always easy. It requires us to let go of our pride, our desire for revenge, and our need to be in control. It requires us to trust in God's justice and to seek his will above our own. But when we choose forgiveness, we are set free from the burden of anger and resentment, and we are able to experience the healing and freedom that comes from being reconciled to God and to others.

As we seek to follow Jesus, let us choose forgiveness, even when it is hard. Let us entrust justice to God, and let us extend the love and forgiveness that we have received from him to others. In doing so, we will experience the freedom and joy that comes from being set free by Jesus Christ.