Forgiven
Forgiven
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. (Eph. 4:32)
Forgive and Forget
In theory, reconciliation seems to be a fairly simple concept. Someone hurts you and maybe you hurt them. But you get over it, forgive each other, and live happily ever after. No problem, right? No grudges are ever held, no hurt feelings ever nurtured. The world would be a far better place if it were really that easy.
Few things in this life, however, are harder than true forgiveness. You know the old saying about forgiving but not forgetting? Right there, that’s the root of the problem. To resolve such deeply felt anger and resentment is to let loose forever the wrongs that were committed in the first place. It’s far from easy. It requires a lot of perseverance and grace.
Break Down the Walls
But what if God judged us by the same standards we use for those who have hurt us? We all have family, friends, and coworkers who have let us down over the course of time. How many times, though, have we failed God? Does the same kind of wall go up?
Forgiveness through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection is at the root of Christianity. By His example, it is possible to break down those mile-high, mile-wide walls that separate us from others. Pursuing reconciliation with others shows that we understand and appreciate the forgiveness and reconciliation we have received from God.
Bottom Line
Forgiveness and reconciliation with others is possible through Jesus Christ, who forgave and reconciled us to Himself.