Forgiveness is Not Optional
By Amber Swinehamer
After LCC’s last message series on the Lord’s Prayer, I began thinking a lot about forgiveness. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus tells us to pray, “And forgive us our sins, just as we have also forgiven those who sin against us” (Matthew 6:12, NIRV). As Christians, we delight in the idea that we are forgiven for our sins and missteps, but when it’s time to extend forgiveness to others, well, that’s a struggle sometimes.
I have an exceptional memory, to the point that sometimes I don’t speak up when I remember some minute detail that an acquaintance told me years ago because it comes across as creepy sometimes. Forgiving does not mean forgetting. It’s counterproductive to keep a running list of all of the wrongs someone has committed against us, but we can establish boundaries and pray unceasingly that God will heal our hearts and cast down any lingering resentment we feel towards those who have sinned against us. I’ve also learned that while the trials and tribulations from my past were difficult to get through, they usually came with lessons and always a renewed faith in God. How’s that for finding a silver lining?
As Christians, we’ve been instructed to give not only second chances but continued forgiveness. Peter offered up a suggestion of seven times to forgive his brothers and sisters for sins against him, and Jesus countered with 77 times. Seventy-seven? Are you sure? That’s like ... a lot (some translations even say that Jesus said 70 times seven. I did the math for you—that’s 490 times)! Forgiving someone personally that many times seems impossible. But think about how many times you’ve messed up, and your Holy Father has forgiven you. I’m only 37, but I know either way—77 or 490—I’ve likely surpassed that amount.
I am so thankful for an amazing God who forgives me, even when I struggle to offer the same grace to others here on earth. It’s a work in progress for me, but understanding the hypocrisy of wanting and needing forgiveness from my Heavenly Father but not extending the same to others is changing my heart every day. Forgiveness is not suggested in scripture; it is commanded.
Amber Swinehamer is a stay-at-home mom and resides in Bluffton, South Carolina, with her husband David and two sons. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, live music, Atlanta Braves baseball, and all things Washington, D.C.