What is forgiveness? Week 48, 2011

“I won’t talk to him, I just can’t!” I thought you said you have forgiven him. “I have, but I can’t forget what he has done. I won’t harm him, won’t block his way; but don’t expect me to actively help him. He is proud, knowing nothing …supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself 1Ti 6:4, 5(MKJV). ” Don’t use any scripture as an excuse to retain an unforgiving spirit; don’t be like Absalom. Absalom wouldn't speak at all to Amnon. He hated Amnon 2Sa 13:22(GW). “I said I have forgiven him; I just want to be left alone.” I won’t push you but remember Col 3:13(GNB): Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. How can you have forgiven if you won’t talk to him or pray for him? Love your enemies, and be good to everyone who hates you. Ask God to bless anyone who curses you, and pray for everyone who is cruel to you Lk 6:27, 28(CEV). “Oh I’ll pray for him alright: may he reap what he sows in Jesus’ name.” That’s certainly not what you asked me to pray for the last time you realised you offended God: you asked for mercy. Treat others just as you want to be treated Lk 6:31(CEV). You have to truly forgive.
“You weary me; what does it mean to forgive? I hope you are not expecting me to forgive and forget. I don’t have memory failure.” True forgiveness is no memory failure but a removal of the poison of bitterness, the desire for punishment and revenge... “I am not punishing him now!” Wait, let me finish. It shows up in blessing the offender. Consider Joseph and his brothers. For him forgiveness was not to distance himself from them when they came into Egypt. He could have had his revenge but he didn’t; he could have been aloof and not talked at all with them but he took them in. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them Gen 50:21(ESV). Genuine forgiveness is shown by blessing the offender.
“I don’t want to be a hypocrite; I certainly don’t feel like blessing him.” Whoever talked of feelings? Speak with your mouth before God what you must in obedience; feelings will come later. Walk by faith not by feelings. “I can’t do this on my own.” I know, I know, let’s come before God and ask for grace, and set a date all of 3 of us will see. If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you Prov 25:21, 22(ESV).