Christians talk a lot about forgiveness–our need for it, God’s giving of it, the need to give it to others. But when was the last time you paused to consider what forgiveness is? We use “forgiveness” all the time, but let’s take a moment to consider the significance and the cost of it.
A clear definition of forgiveness is “to erase a debt.” When someone wrongs you, they owe you–an apology, recompense, something to make the matter right. While most of us don’t go through life naturally thinking we are bad people, scripture makes it clear that we are all in need of forgiveness because each of us is a sinner against other people, but especially against God. Sin isn’t just overt action. It is also any attitude, thought, or word that doesn’t honor God. This is what Romans 3:23 means when it says “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;” we owe God a debt because He is our holy, perfect, ruling creator and we have failed to honor him.
Colossians 2:13-14 says, “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” Herein is forgiveness. At the cross Jesus paid the debt we owe God for our sin. Our debt is forgiven, wiped away, because he took it on and paid in full with his life.
So while “forgiveness” rolls off the tongue easily enough, it is costly. But God gives it freely to us through Jesus. Forgiveness is costly, but as recipients of it we also can give it freely to others because of Jesus.
I originally wrote this post for my church, Immanuel Nashville, in our Daily Pulse email. If you want encouragement from God’s word delivered Monday thru Friday to your inbox, I encourage you to subscribe.
