Topic(s): Forgiveness, Sin

There are many words that suggest beauty in the human car. Mother, grace, love, salvation, and heaven are very meaningful terms. A word that should be added to this list is forgiveness. Like the colors of the rainbow, this beautiful word includes wisdom, power, mercy, and the goodness of God. Psalm 130:4 says, "But there is forgiveness with thee ..." To forgive is to be like God.              

The beauty of forgiveness can 'be seen by contrasting it with the saddest of words which has the saddest effect: Sin! Forgiveness cancels the awful effect and consequences of sin.             

Sin is the transgression of the law of God (1 Jn. 3:4). Sin brings death, a separation from God and His Son. "Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death" (Jas. 1:15). But through Christ, it is forgiveness that cancels what is deserved (death) for the sinner. "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins ..." (Eph. 1:7). Forgiveness takes away the darkness of sin. "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins ..." (Acts 26: 18).             

Forgiveness paints a sweet picture. When men reconcile themselves to God through obedience, the angels of heaven rejoice. When brethren who have wronged each other resolve their differences, there is pleasing communion. So, as Paul encourages. "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph. 4:32). A somber warning is given by our Lord: "For if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Mt. 6: 15).            

Always cultivate the attitude of willingness to forgive those who repent (Lk. 17:3).

-Gilbert Gough, The Green Plain Proclaimer