A Moment With Pastor Fred

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you, Col 3:13. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a message about forgiveness – we forgive as God forgave us. This corrects society’s idea that forgiveness is solely for us – it makes me feel good about myself.  No, forgiveness isn’t man-centered, it’s God- centered. We forgive because God has forgiven us.  Notice it is a command, not an option.

Everyone has been hurt by someone. Each week brings opportunities where we’re called upon to forgive – no doubt most are minor offenses but sometimes the wrong committed is major. It is not uncommon each week Susan and I have to ask each other for forgiveness. A sin has been committed and forgiveness is necessary.

But there is a difference between forgiveness and trust. Forgiveness according to Scripture is offered unconditionally. In fact, if there are conditions attached it isn’t then biblical forgiveness. On the other hand, trust is earned. It is easy to confuse the two. Someone might feel they haven’t forgiven because trust hasn’t been restored. But forgiveness requires nothing of the offender. Re-establishing trust involves the  offender. Forgiveness is a decision that’s kept by a promise (definition by Ken Sande). Trust is a process where the offender demonstrates repentance by obedience. Trust is established over time. This doesn’t mean we’re critics sitting on the sidelines judging the offender. It means we’re coaches seeking to encourage the path of obedience with a forgiving spirit.