The Power of Forgiveness!

“…and whenever you stand, praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive them that your Father in Heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in Heaven forgive you your trespasses….” Mark 11:25-26

If there is one area in the construction of personal character that is most impactful on the human experience, it would argue that the application of forgiveness is that area. Perhaps one might even agree that issues of forgiveness have been prevalent since the beginning of human civilization itself. I personally content that forgiveness is not merely a “Christian” or “religious” issue. I believe it is a human issue – a problem that exists in the “soul of man”, meaning that it is housed in our emotional/cognitive state.

Issues of forgiveness are not only powerful in nature, but also potentially damaging to all that is naturally beneficial to our experience of living. The impact of forgiveness is also mutual, in that, it has lasting/even eternal effect on the recipient as well as on its giver. In a companion study on the topic of “offenses” (and the dangers of them), I was able to understand the spiritual dynamics of how issues of forgiveness develops within the soul of man.

First, the Word of God says, “…Great peace have they which love thy law, and nothing shall OFFEND them….” Psalm 119:165 In this verse, the Hebrew word translated “offend” is he word, Mikshowl (mik-shole) which means the occasion of increased stumbling, a stumbling fortress, strengthening & protection of stumbling. In other words, if we are not in love with God’s law (or simply pleasing God with our lives), those who “offend” us (whom we have not truly forgiven) have also helped us to hurt ourselves even more than the offense itself. Furthermore, we will hold on to the offense in such a way as to “protect” it and strengthen its power within us for future “occasions” where the same offense could cause us to stumble even more.

So then, the questions become highlighted here: What is truly forgiving an offense? And secondly, have we truly forgiven that offense? The reality of forgiveness is relationally two-fold, meaning, not only should one forgive, but the offender should (and frankly must) seek to be forgiven. Before I continue, I need to pause to elaborate a point about humanistic processes of “forgiveness application” in order to set up the true meaning and application of forgiveness.

As you (hopefully) may know, many people say and even attempt to convince themselves that they have truly “forgiven” an offense, but in reality they have not. In fact, the deceptive statement that we usually hear is “…I have forgiven, but I haven’t forgotten….”, which is supposed to mean that the offense will NOT have any additional impact upon them beyond the initial offense itself. The truth of this statement is that the offense continues to live in your mind/memory. As we see the TRUE meaning and application of forgiveness, I’m sure that you’ll find something new about this human application of forgiveness.

In our foundation text for this study (Mark 11:25 NKJV), the Bible says,

“…and whenever you stand, praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive them that your Father in Heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in Heaven forgive you your trespasses….”

The word translated “forgive” in this passage is the word “Aphiemi” (af-ee-ay-mee). Its important to note that Jesus did not speak Greek, but Aramaic. With that understanding, the Aramaic and Greek Words here are identical in their meaning because of the application reference from which it is derived. First, the meaning of this word: To send away, to forsake, let go and let die, to suffer, cry or put away. This meaning is seen in application when the High Priest takes a lamb into the wilderness to use as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of the people. In this instance, the High Priest places blood on the head of the lamb, then sends the lamb away into the wilderness to die (kills by its predators) carrying with it, the sins of the people. This was a traditional practice of the High Priest for the atonement of sins. Let’s look at another application of forgiveness.

Luke 6:37 (NKJV) says, “…forgive and you shall be forgiven….”

The word in this passage is a different word, “Apoluo” (ap-ol-oo-o) which means to release, dismiss, put away or divorce. This application carries the inference that an offense has attached itself to you and/or become ONE with you! This application is clearly inferred from its meaning! We don’t divorce from something/someone that we have not become one with. Furthermore, if we become one with an offense, this clearly means that we have given it life. In other words, it lives because of us. We have kept it close to us and have even protected it within us!

If this is true (and it is clear that this is true), then the question becomes; how do we become ONE with an offense? Let attempt to answer this question through another companion study. I’m sure you’ll agree that the most typical (initial) response to an offense is “anger”, though not always violent anger, a human response to offenses is typically anger nonetheless. So then, what can we learn more in this study of forgiveness from the companion topic of anger?

The Bible says in Ephesians 4:26 (NASV),

“…be angry but sin not, and don’t let the sun go down on your anger [wrath]….”

It is important to understand the greek word translated “angry” here in this passage. The Greek word here is the word, “Orgizo” (or-gid-zo). It is also from this word that we get the English word “Orgy” (from the Greek root “Orge” or-gay). Yes, this is the word “Orgy” – the word we use to describe “assisted arousal of human emotion and pleasure” and/or “a corporate call for emotional arousal, pleasure and agreement”.

But wait a minute, there is another word in the passage for “Anger” and that is the word, “Parorgismos” (par-org-is-mos), which derived from two roots, “Parorgizo” (par-org-id-zo) and “Para” (par-ah). Together they form the meaning, to have desire for the pleasure [arousing] through indignation [anger], being near it, together with it, beside it, seduced by it, pleased by it and under controlling influence.

How many of us have allowed ourselves to enter fits of rage, being vengeful and retaliating against someone for an offense suffered by them? Perhaps you will fall in the category of those who say they have forgiven but have not forgotten, and believe that the memory of the first offense won’t impact upon your response should there be a second offense. The mere fact that we CHOOSE to remember automatically means that we are “pleased to remember” or “keep it close to us”. Why? Well, if we are honest, we would confess that our anger will be poured out on the person who dares to offend us in the same way again.

Let us not forget the original question: How do we become ONE with an offense? It is when we accept its call arousal/pleasure as found in our indignation. We become ONE with our offense through the processes of giving it life by NOT sending it away, putting it to death and divorcing ourselves from its attachments. Can this happen from a mere memory? Absolutely! How else?

Consider this (to elaborate further): Human beings are “triune beings”. Meaning, we are divinely constructed with three parts (just like the Godhead). We Spirit! We are Soul, and we are Body! In essence, the “Spirit” part of us is our “God Consciousness”. Through our Spirit, we are able to communicate with and become aware of Godliness. Our Soul, in essence, is our “Self-Consciousness”. It is through our Soul that we become of ourselves. This primarily our “emotional center” - our thoughts, feelings and pleasure center Our Body is, in essence, our “World or Earth Consciousness”. It is through our Body that we are able to become aware of the World around us. This is primarily our sensual nature (our five basic/God-given senses).

God’s design for us is for our Spirit Nature to dictate to our Soul Nature, and for our Soul Nature to dictate to our Earth Nature. This is done ONLY when we allow God to dictate to and be in control of our Spirit Nature. In this way, we begin to think the right way, and have balanced center of emotions. We don’t “feel” bad when God is in control and are at PEACE when He is dictating how we think and feel.

Well did the Psalmist say,

“…Great PEACE have they which love thy law, and NOTHING shall offend them….” Psalm 119:165

If Our Lord’s Salvation plan is NOT experienced in the Soul, Jesus’ promise of peace will NOT come to pass. In fact, we will live as many are living today, according to their own PLEASURE – allowing our Body to dictate to our Soul, becoming seduced by how we feel and allowing our emotional nature to call for the Body to do (again) what the Soul likes! In this way, The Spirit part of us is cut off, and we become DEAD in trespasses and sins! The Apostle Paul said it best in Ephesians 2:1-10 NKJV

“…And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2) in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3) among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4) But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6) and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7) that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9) not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them….”

What happens in this process is clear: We OFFEND God with our sins! But guess what? He forgives us! This is why the scripture says, “…forgive… just as your Father has forgiven you….” [paraphrase of Mark 11:25]. Let me go back to my “memory” point for our conversations sake. From a practical/human point of view, some may argue that I am being un-realistic to believe that we will NOT remember what offenders do to offend us. I’m sure many will exclaim that there is NOTHING wrong with keeping in mind what was done to offend us. My response to this argument and line of thinking is hopefully clear from reading this study. That said; let me say a few things further.

I do NOT argue that we choose to remember what/how we were offended. My argument really is a much stronger one, in that; I believe that we can also CHOOSE NOT to remember. Yes, the natural mind will, from time to time, bring an offense to our remembrance as a natural occurrence of thinking. I understand this completely. However, does this mean that we bound by our natural inclinations to remember? I believe NOT! In fact, I believe that we are given the opportunity to control how we think. Several passages of scripture support this truth. First, we see in Philippians 2:1-5 (NKJV)

“…Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection [Bowels – KJV] and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others….”

Later, in the same letter to the Philippians 4:6-8 Paul encourages;

“…Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate [think – KJV] on these things….”

To the Romans, Paul writes in this very familiar passage (Romans 12:1-3);

“…I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God….”

I’d like to discuss a few more things before I conclude this study. First to the Christian who truly desires to live a productive life – one that is pleasing to The Lord Jesus Christ, it is eternally important to understand that forgiveness is vital to the completion of our overall mission and spiritual calling. The Bible says in 2nd Corinthians 5:18

“…Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation….”

The “Ministry of Reconciliation” is one that EVERY Christian is called to carry out. The Greek word translated “Reconciliation” here is the word, “Katallage” (kat-al-lag-ay), which is to exchange restoration and favor, to remove and replace or substitute recompenses. From this word, we also get the English word, “Catalyst”, which is a means, vehicle channel or mechanism through which something is carried. If we look at this word/meaning carefully, we will be able to understand what the exchange is as derived from this definition. Restoration is only applicable to that which has been broken. Favor is only applicable to that which has been hindered or rejected. Therein is the exchange. In other words, we are called to the service of “exchanging” one thing [restoration] for another [brokenness]. We are called as Christians to exchange “favor” for “rejection.” But wait; is this our favor or our restoration? A greater question would be, is this even our Ministry? No, this is our service to God Himself! We don’t exchange what belongs to us. We exchange what belongs to God. This is why verse 20 of the same passage (2nd Corinthians 5) says;

“…Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God…..”

From this knowledge, we come to the understanding of how important and VITAL the application of forgiveness is to the life of the Believer. How can we even call ourselves Christians if we choose to ignore the TRUE application of forgiveness? We are therefore responsible to exchange Mercy for offenses.

Finally, it behooves us to understand one other important element of the “reconciliation” application. The Bible says in James 2:12-13;

“…Speak, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
13For he shall have judgment without mercy that has shown no mercy; because mercy triumphs over judgment….”

Now Saints and friends, this is one of the most powerful and trembling verses that is often overlooked in the Bible (in my opinion of course). In this verse, Our Lord shows us the importance of showing mercy in the face of our judgment(s). When we assess any situation in our lives as offensive to us or others, we must be VERY careful how we pronounce [or respond with] judgment upon that situation. If our judgment is one that shows no mercy, we are in spiritual danger. This said; a true understanding of Mercy helps us to know that we don’t have what it takes in the human experience to extend mercy (especially in some severe cases of personal offense). However, this is huge reason why we MUST NOT live our lives with its influence coming to us from the human/lower nature. As stated earlier in this study, we must NOT allow our spirit to be cut off while we are pleasured by the emotions and senses of our lower nature. If this occurs we separate ourselves again from the life of God and His Goodness.

“Mercy” in this passage, is the Greek word, “Eleos” (EL-eh-os), which is divinely inspired compassion, tenderness of heart, strength to love and power to heal. Notice the prefix, “EL”, which is Hebrew derivative meaning God, or The Strongest Strong ONE! The ONE Who Strengthens or infuses strength, power and ability! WOW! When someone offends us, immediately we should be praying for Eleos… for God to empower us to extend Mercy to the offender!

People of God, PLEASE grasp the truth as found in this study about the true application of forgiveness. It is so important to open our hearts in ways that will allow The Lord in to heal us of ALL wrong doing. Both the offender and the one offended are benefitted by what God does throughout this spiritual application. Don’t merely pass judgment! Forgive!

Well did Jesus say to us in 1st John 3:18 (KJV);

“…My little children, let us NOT love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth….”

“…Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions….” NLT

Grace & Peace,
Roc