In yesterday’s post I shared what forgiveness is not. Today I want to share what forgiveness is. It is about letting things go to God. Below is another excerpt from June Hunt’s book on forgiveness.
To forgive means to release your resentment toward your offender.
In the New Testament, the Greek verb aphiemi primarily means “to send away”—in other words, “to forgive, send away or release the penalty when someone wrongs you.” This implies that you need …
— To release your right to hear “I’m sorry”
— To release your right to be bitter
— To release your right to get even
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.”
(Romans 12:17)
To forgive is to release your rights regarding the offense.
— To release your right to dwell on the offense
— To release your right to hold on to the offense
— To release your right to keep bringing up the offense
“He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
(Proverbs 17:9)
To forgive is to reflect the character of Christ. Just as God is willing to forgive us, we are called to forgive others.
— To forgive is to extend mercy.
— To forgive is to give a gift of grace.
— To forgive is to set the offender free.
Jesus taught his disciples to pray,
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
(Matthew 6:12)
Hunt, J. (2008) Biblical Counseling Keys on Forgiveness: The Freedom to Let Go. Dallas, TX: Hope For The Heart, p. 5.
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