Seeking Forgiveness

Seeking Forgiveness
Let’s turn back to Luke chapter 11 and think some more about the way Jesus teaches His disciples to pray. He began by teaching us that we ought to pray that the name of God be honored as holy, that His kingdom would come, and that He would provide for our daily needs. The next thing that Jesus taught His disciples to pray was and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us” (Luke 11:4). What can we learn from this and what does it look like to pray in this manner?

First, we can be reminded that the Christian life is one of repentance. There is an initial repentance that comes to the believer when they are born again. They are cut to the heart, convicted by the law of God, and they turn to Jesus Christ for pardon of sin and call upon Him for salvation. However, this does not mean that repentance never plays a role in our lives again. In fact, the opposite is true. As we grow in Christ-likenes we will come to love the Lord more and hate sin more. This will drive us to Him as we turn from sin and turn to Him. Let us turn to Him and press into the forgiveness that He offers by never being content with a general repentance. Instead, let us ask for the pardon of our particular sins knowing that He is faithful and just to forgive us of all unrighteousness. 

Second, as we seek the forgiveness of God we should then in turn grow in our forgiveness of others. Forgiving others when they sin against you is not an easy thing. Some situations are more difficult than others, yet we are called to forgive the one who comes to us not simply seven times. Rather, Jesus tells Peter that he is to forgive seventy-seven times (Matt. 18:22). That is to say, when one comes to you seeking forgiveness that you give it freely because of the great forgiveness that the Lord gives to us.

Lastly, let us remember that it is to our Father in heaven that we come seeking pardon, through Christ Jesus our Lord. We do not come to a far-off, distant deity wondering what it will cost to be in their good graces. Rather, we come to our Father in heaven who loves us. Jesus Christ, the Son, came and gave Himself in our place that we might not have to face justice. Because of Christ we receive mercy and grace. Therefore, let us come before our heavenly Father with confidence knowing that He does not look upon us as miserable rats, but as His beloved Children. 

So, dear Christian, be not afraid to confess your sins particularly to your Father in heaven. Turn to Him who loves you. Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ who gave Himself in your place. Grow in love and forgiveness as you pray and seek the Lord.

Grace be with you,
C. R. Hamilton