“Forgiveness is the final form of love.” Reinhold Niebuhr
What a true statement. As Jesus Christ gave His life for us on Calvary, He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34a KJV There is no greater act or example of love than this.
In today’s society, relationships of all types suffer due to a lack of forgiveness. It’s like people think that apologizing makes them weak. And even moreso, forgiving makes them weaker.
No matter the type of relationship, there should never be a fight for power.
Forgiveness is one of the deepest forms of love. One of the greatest signs of humility. It is, in a sense, a giving up of any perceived “power.” I give up the ability to hold the offense done to or against me over the offender’s head. I release him/her of that debt. Just as Jesus Christ did for me.
And we, who forgive, do that over and over, as many times as necessary, whether the apology ever comes or not. Why? Because of love.
Love does.
Love forgives.
Forgiveness is an act love.
God is love.
Just as Jesus Christ forgave us our trespasses before we even deserved it, we forgive others their trespasses, whether they ask for it or not.
No, it’s not always easy. But it’s love.
Apologizing isn’t even always easy. But this too is love. It’s humbling ourselves, losing our pride, admitting that we missed the mark.
I think sometimes, where pride keeps us from apologizing is that we don’t think we deserve forgiveness. Or we don’t think we will be forgiven.
We live fallen.
Like Adam and Eve.
Hidden.
Trying to cover our sins rather than confessing them.
There’s strength in confession.
There’s power in truth.
Truth leads to liberty.
It all works together in love.
In the love that God intended for us to dwell in all along.
*Image courtesy of MEB ☀️🤍🌺
On the Outside Looking In 