C.S. Lewis - one of my favorite writers- once said "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."
A powerful challenge God had modeled for us. Forgiveness is something that fascinates me: the power in it and the love behind it.
The words of Lewis have inspired me as I have begun to explore the depth of God's forgiveness in comparison with the lack there of within our human hearts.
Throughout the Old Testament we see Hebrew words for forgive that echo a pardon, atonement, sacrifice, a cover up.
But it is not until the Law is replaced by God's GRACE in the only true picture of forgiveness -Christ's propitiation, that this new word emerges; that is the Greek word Aphesis: to release from bondage; remission of penalty. It is the most powerful, all encompassing form and is ONLY used to refer to God's holy and perfect forgiveness.
In Matthew18:23-35 where Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant after Peter inquires how many times must we forgive a brother. The word there is Aphiemi: to send away; to let go. This is the forgiveness we are capable of in and through Christ. We as humans are called let go; give up a debt.
I find it refreshing to know that 1:God has given us ultimate forgiveness through the Cross.
2: He has provided us with a forgiveness to bestow on others and therefore only touch on the power of His love and grace.
3: We cannot forgive ourselves with the same Almighty power that comes from God, yes we can cope and respond healthily to our actions, yet there is no pressure to provide a release only the Lord is capable of. In HIM and only in Him can we experience true freedom, liberty, forgiveness.
No pressure necessary :) Praise GOD! For He indeed has done it all, giving us a quiet rest, solid rock, and unending love.
~Shannon
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