The Reckless Love of God

Have you tried forgiveness?

“That’s for other people, but it’s not for me.” “I would try it, but it doesn’t really work.” “I don’t know how I can forgive after everything that’s happened.” “I don’t really believe I can be forgiven.”

As a counselor, the topic of forgiveness comes up often when you’re talking about a person’s life, marriage, and family relationships. Unfortunately, I often hear the responses above. I say, “unfortunately” because forgiveness is the path to recovering new life and freedom. Until we forgive, we are held back by past hurts, failures, and sin.

Many people find it hard to forgive others. Even more find it much harder, if not impossible, to forgive themselves.

Where are you at with forgiving the people in your life who matter to you? I invite you to take a few minutes to reflect on these questions.

1.     Do you believe in forgiveness?

2.     Why do you forgive another or ask someone to forgive you?

3.     Are you presently aware of needing to forgive or be forgiven in your relational community of people?

4.     What would you hope would be the outcome of asking this person(s), today, to forgive you for _________________________________? (fill in the blank)

5.     Do you need to forgive yourself for some specific act or wrongdoing?  If so, write it down in your own words right now.

6.     Was that hard to do?  If so, explore why…and listen to your thoughts.

I want to share a few thoughts about the power of forgiveness. These come from my work with clients, my own struggle to forgive others and myself, and what the Bible teaches.

Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts we can give to another or self!

·      It starts or re-starts a possible relationship (and might bring healing to a larger community).

·      To receive forgiveness lifts darkness and exclusion, creating a new beginning in which life can start again.

·      Forgiveness isn’t cheap but is free to give or receive whenever/wherever your heart, mind, or soul desires.

·      Again, forgiving yourself is where almost all of us could spend some reflective time….we likely have a list of actions, thoughts, and “things” we believe are unforgivable and THIS IS A LIE!

A week ago was Good Friday, the day Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross.  While enduring an excruciating death of the cross, Jesus uttered some seemingly reckless words: “Father, forgive them for they know what they do.”  And, then he died to make this forgiveness possible.

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin.  But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2)

Why do we forgive? Because we have been forgiven by God himself. And, when we realize that God has chosen to love us by having his own Son take the penalty we deserve, it impacts how we relate to others, and ourselves.

Today could be a very important day if you consider or reconsider being forgiven! You can, no matter how we have lived in the past. Whether you don’t believe, are a searcher, or a believer wanting to forgive or be forgiven, I encourage you to reflect on this gift of forgiveness:

If you believe, allow today to be a time of forgiveness. Jesus has given it that we may offer it to another or ourselves.

If you desire forgiveness, let today be one of thoughtful reflection and reception. Jesus’ offering of forgiveness is there for you to be acted on.

Because of Good Friday and Easter Resurrection Sunday that followed 2,000 years ago, forgiveness has been released in our world to give and receive, even to ourselves.  Let it reach into your life where you see it is needed.

I thank God for THIS RECKLESS LOVE OF GOD!

The Renewing Life Center is here to serve you. We are an agency of forgiveness and for many other life issues that can assist you in doing life well! You can reach us at (702) 434-7290.

Patricia Meye, M.Div., D.Min.