Letting Go

One of the most religious words in the English language is “forgiveness”.  A Christian life dedicated to God is focused on forgiveness; yet, what does the concept really mean?  As I did some research into the origins of the idea I came across a lot of good thoughts: “to wipe the slate clean”, “to pardon”, “to cancel a debt”; but, one that really struck me was the concept expressed in the phrase, “to let go”.  Forgiveness is all about letting go!

When we consider it, the idea of “letting go” comes to life in three areas:

1.  We must seek forgiveness.  The most important aspect of forgiveness is in our relationship with God.  Our sin alienates us from the pure and perfect God; so we must find a way to remedy this condition.  From the beginning of the Christian era forgiveness was connected to a couple of concepts:  repentance (changing our focus and our ways) and baptism (immersion in water).  When those who chose to crucify Jesus came face-to-face with their sin they sought a way to be forgiven and were told by Peter, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38).   Yet, the reconciliation from forgiveness isn’t just between God and man; it has an interpersonal element as well.  When we offend (or sin against) another person we have an obligation to make it right.  In fact, Jesus puts such a high priority on this that He told His original disciples that, if during their worship of God, they recalled a sin committed against another person they were to suspend their worship and take care of the offense (Matthew 5:23-26).  Whether it is with our God or our fellow man, we need to pursue their forgiveness.

2.  We must grant forgiveness.  When we realize that we need forgiveness it should naturally remind us of the desires of others.  As sinners, it shouldn’t surprise us that all people sin – and sometimes they sin against us.  So, if we are asking God and our fellow man “to let go” of our spiritual debts we should be willing to do that for those who have wronged us.   Jesus is upfront with anyone seeking forgiveness reminding us, “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” (Matthew 6:14-15). 

3.  We must accept forgiveness.  Finally, one of the hardest things for us to do is to forgive ourselves.  Are we willing “to let go” of the sins we have committed against God and our neighbors?  After asking for forgiveness, do we trust them enough to believe that they will let it go?  Whether it involves overcoming guilt or developing a trust of others, we have to be willing to believe that once we have done all we can do they will do the right thing as well.    

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