The art of forgiveness

“Forgiveness is an action. It is something you do. May you do it today, because you might not have the chance tomorrow.”

I sat in my youth ministry class last week, watching a video of Rob Bell. I have heard several people in my life mention Bell, but had never heard him speak before.

After watching this particular message, I felt convicted, and began to google forgiveness and what it really means. Sometimes, it seems too easy to simply read what the Bible has to say on the subject matter, but of course, it was the reference that popped up at the top of the page.

We all know we are called to forgive others. We have all heard the story from Matthew 18 where Jesus reminds Peter that he has to forgive his brother “seventy times seven” times. And I am sure that, as Christians, we usually do forgive.

But how much of our forgiveness is for show?

One of the things I have felt blessed with in my life is the ability God has given me to love others unconditionally. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do or how you treat me. It doesn’t matter if you are seemingly perfect or if you wear your flaws on your body like an outfit. I love you.

But one thing I struggle with is my tendency to hold onto little bits of resentment. It might be something as small as the kid who sat behind me on my five hour flight to New York and kept kicking the back of my chair, or it might be as normal as a friend who flaked out on me at the last minute, or it might be as big as a father who doesn’t call and shows up late, if he shows up at all.

How can I really love people if I am so busy holding onto the ways in which they have wronged me? How can I show someone the love of Christ if His eyes can’t look out through mine?

I used to think I was quick to forgive, but in reality, I am simply quick to show forgiveness. I am not quick to act on it. And there are people in my life that I love very much who don’t deserve to have stuff hanging over their heads anymore.

Recently, I have felt what it is like to be on the other side. I know what it is like to be the person asking for forgiveness and who receives a smile and an “I forgive you,” but who doesn’t really feel that anything has actually been washed away.

It is hard. And it eats away at me because I am harder on myself than any other person could ever be.

So let’s learn to be better at forgiveness. Lets take this opportunity to really take the time to show Christ’s love. Let’s take this opportunity to look at everyone through eyes that show nothing but grace.