Act Like It!

Jesus teaches the line that we rattle off unthinkingly in the Our Father: “forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us” and Matthew’s gospel (Matt 18:21-35) explores forgiveness and the consequences of being unforgiven.

How do we forgive those who have sinned against us? Do we forgive them when we make a comfortable arrangement and shake hands? When they stop hurting or annoying us or when they are truly penitent and we have a plan for co-existence? Or when they become worthy of our forgiveness? That’s not forgiveness as we want forgiveness! Jesus’ supreme example of forgiveness is in his last agonised words from the cross imploring forgiveness for those who have taunted, tortured and murdered him, “Father, forgive them!” There is our gold standard forgiveness!

Throughout his ministry, Jesus has encouraged us to seek merciful forgiveness. When we ask forgiveness of the Lord we don’t want justice, because justice is all about dredging up our past failures. What we are seeking is mercy; that we be forgiven as we are; in spite of our un-worthiness. Central to Jesus’ message is the Father who loves us and welcomes us with unconditional forgiveness, just as we forgive others. The Son made a scandalous habit of preferring the company of sinners, accepting them as they are and trusting to God’s mercy, yet he is clear about the consequences of being unforgiven, alluding here to the tortuous pain, sorrow, horror, regret, loneliness and emptiness awaiting anyone who chooses to reject forgiveness.

We have been forgiven so we need to act like it! As we have prayed, we accept God’s forgiveness by forgiving others from the heart, regardless of their sincerity, niceness or worthiness; but giving that gold standard forgiveness we want for ourselves.