What is forgiveness?
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
We’re going to talk about what forgiveness is and what it is not. But first, why is it so hard to forgive, especially when forgiveness is more beneficial and relieving?
Why we won't forgive?
Paul Tripp suggests that we hold people in our debt for the following reasons:
1. Debt is power. There is a power in having something to hold over another’s head.
2. Debt is identity. We feel superior, more righteous and mature than the person who has offended us.
3. Debt is entitlement. We are owed and we deserve this after what we’ve endured.
4. Debt is weaponry. We can throw stuff in their face.
5. Debt puts us in God’s position. We make sure that they feel an appropriate amount of guilt.
What forgiveness is NOT
Most of us think forgiveness is a good idea, till we have to give it. What does this word mean? Let’s start off with what it doesn’t mean.
1. Forgiveness is not pretending that it never happened – that’s called repression.
2. Forgiveness is not excusing what the other person did.
3. Forgiveness is not reconciliation.
4. Forgiveness is not giving up on justice and change.
5. Finally, forgiveness is not forgetting.
