In man’s (or woman’s) natural state, he has no desire to forgive another for wrongs suffered at the other’s hand or direction. Forgiveness is one of the things that originates from God. Forgiveness is God’s idea.
God commands us to forgive because it doesn’t come naturally. We wouldn’t do it without some encouragement. Forgiveness contravenes my natural way of dealing with those who hurt me or my loved ones.
Nevertheless, for me it begs the question “Why would a God of justice forsake justice and ask me to forgive the wrong?” Surely, when a wrong is done, justice is required to right or correct the wrong. Why would God ask me to put aside justice and forgive? Perhaps you already know the answer which may seem less than satisfying at first glance; “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
God asks me to put aside immediate justice and forgive. He does not say justice will never come. In fact, He promises His justice for my enemies:
- Psalm 9:3 When my enemies turn back, They shall fall and perish at Your presence.
- Psalm 18:40 You have also given me the necks of my enemies, So that I destroyed those who hated me.
- Psalm 27:2 When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell.
- Psalm 54:5 He will repay my enemies for their evil.
- Psalm 59:10 My God of mercy shall come to meet me; God shall let me see my desire on my enemies.
- Psalm 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.
The lesson for me here is not that God would have me give up, but rather God would have me give over – give over my enemies to Him! By forgiving those who wrong me, I deal with the heart issue (which we will discuss in a later post) which threatens harm to me and my relationship, and I get out of God’s way. I allow Him to bring His justice to the situation. All I need to do is sit back, under the shadow of my Father’s everlasting arms, and wait as my God brings justice. He is a God of justice, so I can trust Him. Forgive and get out of God’s way!
