Forgiveness is a tough sell these days. Turn on the TV and you see very little forgiveness, but a whole lot of anger. Even in our schools and workplaces, forgiveness is not something you hear about.
The word is used over 131 times in the Bible. It’s important. You might think forgiveness is only for those who can’t stand up for themselves, but that’s not the case. To forgive is much harder than remaining angry with someone.
Forgiveness is noble, and God calls us to do it.
In the book of Psalms, the Lord tells us to taste His blessings as if you are eating your favourite dessert: “Taste and see that the LORD is good. Blessed is everyone who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8)
I like black forest cake. It’s amazing! Who can ever forget that wonderfully-rich chocolate once it’s tasted? And the smell—the powerful aroma from cherries blended with chocolate is a marriage made in heaven. But what if I had never tasted cake? How could I describe the experience? What would I know about the smooth, rich taste unless I tried it and felt it move across my senses of touch, smell, and taste?
God knows His people well. He invites us to “hear, taste, see, and touch” the redemptive power of forgiveness through water, bread, and wine. Water and God’s word of promise in baptism make us His child with all the rights and privileges that includes. Bread and wine are combined with God’s Word for the forgiveness of acts not pleasing to God, temptations, and bad thoughts.
When the words “you are forgiven” strike your ears and are fueled by the Holy Spirit, your soul is set free. We are a hear-taste-see-and-touch people. It is wonderful to be pardoned by a loving God in Christ. I can describe forgiveness because I have been forgiven.
Forgiveness is better than a fantastic dessert. Black forest cake is amazing, but after it’s gone, that’s it. In forgiveness, we have an unlimited source of joy. God’s forgiveness resource runs deep. In Jesus, there is the awesome ability to forgive others over and over, just as God forgives us.
We benefit from forgiving others too. Forgiveness leads to less stress, a powerful inner peace, greater acceptance, and a fuller joy. Many people simply give up on the idea of forgiveness. It appears to have little relevance in their lives. They just don’t feel it, so they ignore it. But it cannot be ignored – forgiveness is a gift from God that is meant to be shared.
Let others know how wonderful it feels to be forgiven.
This world has suffered mightily since the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, and not just because of the virus. People have withdrawn inwardly, and forgiveness seems sparse. Let’s water this social desert with forgiveness – give love to those around you, forgiving them, and inviting them to “Taste and see that the LORD is good.”
May you be blessed in your forgiveness!
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Rev. Michael Mayer serves as pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Monkton and First Lutheran Church in Logan Township.
