Forgive Mistakes and Extend People Genuine Mercy

Forgiveness and mercy are at the heart of Christian living. They are not just virtues admired from afar, but practices lived out in our daily interactions with others. The Bible emphasizes the importance of forgiving one another and extending mercy, reflecting the very character of God. When we forgive and show mercy, we mirror the love and grace that God has shown to us through Jesus Christ.

The Call to Forgive

Forgiveness is not optional for a Christian; it is a command. Jesus clearly states in Matthew 6:14-15, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." This verse underscores the seriousness with which God views forgiveness. We are to forgive others as a reflection of the forgiveness we have received from Him.

Operating out of forgiveness means letting go of grudges, resentment, and the desire for revenge. It is about releasing others from the debt we believe they owe us because of their wrongs. In doing so, we experience the liberating freedom of living in God’s grace and mercy, a freedom that brings peace and healing to our souls.

Seventy Times Seven

When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone, Jesus responded with a startling answer: "Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:22). This does not mean we should keep a literal count of how many times we forgive someone; rather, Jesus is teaching that our forgiveness should be limitless, just as God’s forgiveness toward us is boundless. This understanding empowers us to be compassionate and forgiving, just as God is towards us.

Forgiveness is not about keeping score but maintaining a heart of compassion and mercy. No matter how often we are wronged, we are to forgive, trusting that God will give us the strength and grace to do so. It is important to note that forgiveness does not mean justice is not served. It means we release our personal feelings of anger and desire for retribution, leaving justice in the hands of God.

Be Ye Kind and Tenderhearted

Ephesians 4:32 provides a beautiful reminder of how we should treat one another: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Kindness and tenderheartedness are essential qualities for a forgiving spirit. When we are tenderhearted, we empathize with others’ weaknesses and failings, recognizing that we also need God’s grace.

This verse also points us back to the ultimate reason we forgive: God has forgiven us for Christ’s sake. Our forgiveness toward others reflects the divine forgiveness we have received, purchased at the highest cost—the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

Blessed Are the Merciful

Mercy is closely related to forgiveness, and Jesus speaks directly to this in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7). Mercy involves showing compassion and kindness to those who may not deserve it, just as God has shown mercy to us.

When we extend mercy to others, we not only bless them but also position ourselves to receive God’s mercy. The mercy we show reflects our understanding of the mercy we have been shown. It is an acknowledgment that we all need God’s grace; as we give, we receive. This reciprocal nature of mercy gives us hope and a sense of being blessed.

The Example of Jesus

The ultimate example of forgiveness and mercy is found in Jesus Christ Himself. As He hung on the cross, enduring unimaginable pain and suffering, He prayed for those who were crucifying Him: "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). In this profound moment, Jesus demonstrated the depth of His love and mercy, offering forgiveness even to those who were causing His death.

This example challenges us to forgive and extend mercy even in difficult circumstances. If Jesus could forgive those actively harming Him, how much more should we be willing to forgive those who wrong us in less severe ways?

Let Us Put on Mercy

Colossians 3:12 encourages us to "put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering." To "put on" mercy is to make it a part of our daily lives, clothing ourselves with compassion and forgiveness. It is a conscious choice to reflect the character of Christ in all our interactions.

When we choose to forgive and show mercy, we create an environment of peace and healing. We allow God’s love to flow through us, bringing reconciliation and restoring strained or broken relationships.

Conclusion

Forgiving and extending mercy can be challenging, especially in situations of deep hurt or betrayal. In these moments, we can turn to God for strength and guidance, remembering the forgiveness we have received from Him. As we forgive and show mercy, we mirror God's love and grace so generously poured out on us. It is not always easy, but with God’s help, we can live out these principles, bringing glory to His name and reflecting His heart to those around us.

In a world that often values retribution and holding grudges, let us be people who forgive freely and extend mercy generously, trusting that in doing so, we reflect the very nature of God Himself.