The Journey of Forgiving

by: Tammy De Ruyter

In our natural state of sin, we are addicted to unforgiveness. We relish revenge, we cling to wrongdoing, we hold anger in tight-fisted control. In a strange way we enjoy the hardness of our hearts. There is a sense of protection when our hearts are hard. Conversely, we feel vulnerable to pain and abuse when they are not.

Lewis Smedes writes, “Forgiving is love’s power to break nature’s rule.” It is unnatural to forgive, and it is hard work. Katherine Piderman of Mayo Clinic writes, “Forgiveness is a commitment to a process of change. It can be difficult and it can take time.”

Paul acknowledges the process of forgiveness. He recalls our past way of living: anger, covetousness, and slander. He reminds us to be a people of compassion, meekness, and kindness. Then, to drive it all home, he invites us to look inside and remember God’s forgiveness toward us. Our sin has been cleansed through Jesus. He has revealed his amazing love for us and asks that we demonstrate this love to others. “Forgiving is love’s toughest work and love’s biggest risk” (Smedes).

The journey is hard but we’re not alone. Christ’s Spirit dwells within us. There is nothing too big that he cannot heal, and no place too dark that he cannot go. By his strength is the power to do the unnatural: to overcome our addiction to sin, and forgive.