The miracle of forgiveness

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Genesis 31, 32, 33

Genesis 33:4 (NIV)
4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.

Luke 6:35-36 (NIV)
35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Good morning!

The act of forgiveness is a hard thing to do, but it is not impossible. When we choose to forgive someone for the pain they have caused in our life, we make a concerted effort to let go of any harbored resentment we hold in our heart. The process of returning kindness to someone who may hate you; choosing to love someone who may not deserve it, can be one of the most difficult and rewarding challenges we face in life. Forgiveness requires that we let go of what is past, and move forward into the future with renewed trust and hope. Tears of forgiveness can be bitter and sweet. Why do we struggle so to forgive? Why do we feel such great relief when we do?

Twin brothers, born and raised in the same family, were as different as daylight and dark. The brothers demonstrated bitter resentment and hostility for each other, while growing up together under the same roof. The younger was crafty, as he successfully swindled his brother out of an inheritance and blessing that should have been his by birthright. In return, the older brother threatened to kill the younger, forcing him to run far away. How many times have we turned tail and run away to avoid an explosive confrontation? How many mistakes have we buried in the quicksand beneath our feet, only to find ourselves sinking into the mire and muck, unable to escape the pain and guilt we feel? When the Lord instructed Jacob to return to the land of His father and face his brother Esau, Jacob held little hope for reconciliation. In fact, Jacob believed Esau would kill him and his family. He tried to feel out his brother’s angst by sending messengers ahead of his arrival, with words of greeting and gifts. Jacob desired forgiveness in the worst way. He missed having a brother to talk to and share his life with. Jacob followed the Father’s urging and moved forward to face his brother, and whatever the consequences might bring.

Why did Esau forgive Jacob? We pay a hefty price when we allow the pain of pent up resentment and bitterness to fester over time. Esau chose to forgive Jacob, not because he was his brother, and not because he deserved it. Esau chose to forgive so that he could have the peace of mind he longed for. Esau wanted to heal completely, to let go of the memories that had scarred his life. What a miraculous day it was when Esau ran to his brother, threw his arms around Jacob’s neck, and welcomed him home. Only God could do something like this.

Jesus reminds us that when we choose to forgive our enemies and extend compassion and love to the ones who least deserve it, we please our Father in heaven. Our Lord forgave humanity and went willingly to the cross for our salvation. There is no greater love than what is borne out of forgiveness. It frees our hearts from the chains of hatred and guilt, and gives feet to faith. We can love each other completely, by following the example of our Savior.

If you find yourself struggling to forgive someone today, run to Jesus and ask Him to help you let go of what you cannot do on your own. He will take your pain and help you heal. It is a wonderful feeling to be completely forgiven. The only thing greater than being forgiven, is to forgive. Will you let go of your hurt, giving it to the one who forgives your sin? Will you ask Jesus help you forgive today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: Jesus to take your hurt and help you heal through the miracle of forgiveness. We can live together in harmony and peace, when we give our pain to the Lord.
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.