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"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
(Matthew 6:14-15)
First responder Matt Swatzell fell asleep at the wheel and crossed over into the lane of traffic heading in the opposite direction. He collided with 30 year-old June Fitzgerald, who was seven months pregnant. Her 19 month-old daughter, Faith, was in the car but was not hurt. But June and the unborn baby were killed in the head-on collision. June's husband, Erik, is a pastor. In a moment, he was a widower and a single parent. I watched this story on NBC's Today Show and was in tears as I heard how Pastor Erik chose to forgive. When he appeared before the judge, he said he could choose justice and penalty or choose forgiveness instead; he said he chose forgiveness. Fourteen years later, Matt and Erik are the best of friends. Both are married with children and enjoy spending time together as families. The Today Show hosts were touched by the story. Carson Daily said this was a true display of Christianity because the word Christian literally means "little Christs". I believe it was Savannah Guthrie who asked the question, "What would have happened had Erik chose not to forgive?" It would be a totally different ending. (Source.)
During the month of December, some of our pastors and I will preach a series of messages entitled "The Gift of Forgiveness". To forgive and be forgiven is such a blessed way to live life. What a great time of the year to receive God's forgiveness made available to us through the death of Christ for our sins. And it is also a wonderful time of the year to grant forgiveness to those who have harmed or injured us. Is it easy? No, and some would say it is impossible to forgive and forget. I think only half of that equation is true. (See Lisa TerKeurst's new book, Forgiving What You Can't Forget.) God has not only demonstrated through Christ His awesome power to forgive us of all our sins, but He has given His children the power to forgive those who have wronged us.
Forgiveness is a precious gift both to receive and to give to others. Forgiveness means a hurt, harm, or insult has been committed. There is an offended party and one who has committed the offense. When the hurt comes, what we do next reveals much about us and our relationship with God. It is very easy to talk about forgiveness and another matter altogether to actually forgive someone who has hurt you or caused tremendous pain and damage to you or your loved ones. Pastor Erik literally practiced what he preached; he chose the high road of forgiveness, and it made all the difference in the world!
More about forgiveness in tomorrow's devotion.
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