FORGIVENESS
Background
Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful words in the human vocabulary. How much pain and unhappy consequences could be avoided if we all learned the meaning of this word! King David shared some of the emotion he personally experienced after he asked God to "wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin" (Psalm 51:2).
Elsewhere he says,
"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit" (Psalm 32:1–2, NIV).
In one bold stroke, forgiveness obliterates the past and permits us to enter the land of new beginnings.
Billy Graham says: "God's forgiveness is not just a casual statement; it is the complete blotting out of all the dirt and degradation of our past, present, and future. The only reason our sins can be forgiven is that, on the cross, Jesus Christ paid their full penalty. [But] only as we bow at the foot of the cross, in contrition, confession, and repentance, can we find forgiveness."
The Basis for Forgiveness
1. Own up to what we are and have done (repentance): "For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight" (Psalm 51:3–4).
2. Ask for forgiveness: "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. . . . Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities" (Psalm 51:7, 9).
The Results of Forgiveness:
1. Reconciliation. When God forgives, there is an immediate and complete change in relationship. Instead of hostility, there is love and acceptance. Instead of enmity, there is friendship. God is always in the business of "reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them" (2 Corinthians 5:19, NIV).