Freely Forgive

At some of the most recent concerts I have been sharing about the importance of forgiveness. I share two stories. The first is about a woman who was bitter because she refused to forgive, the other about a man who chose to show forgiveness and likely changed a mans heart for the better.

I was at a bible study once a while back at someones house. There was an older woman there whose son was dying in the hospital. Some of those at the bible study were trying to reason with her and tried to encourage her to visit her son. She refused and said how her son had wronged her and that she could never forgive him. I read a book recently that said, "not forgiving is like drinking rat poison and waiting for the rat to die" (Traveling Mercies - Anne Lammot). How true that is. It was tragic seeing the bitterness and unforgiveness in that womans life.

Next I share the story of Kris Vallotton, a man who owned a cars parts store and a car repair shop. One day he came in to find that someone had stolen some rims and tires from his store. Then one day a man shows up at his car repair shop with these rims and tires on his truck.

Kris had a decision to make. He could have just phoned the police as any sensible person would, but instead he chose to do something radical - he chose to forgive. He called the guy into his office and said something like, "Look, I know what you did. I know you stole my tires and rims but I want you to know that I forgive you. And to show you that I forgive you, I'm not even going to charge you for the repair work done on your vehicle."

The man was stunned and speachless and just sat in his truck for five minutes before leaving.

I can only imagine the effect that day had on that man. I would bet that he didn't steal anymore. I would bet that the forgiveness and grace shown him that day changed his heart far more than jail time would have.

Forgiveness has the power to heal this broken world. Forgiveness is the one thing that brings healing when nothing else can. But first we must receive God's forgiveness.

Imagine for a moment God calling you into his "office" and saying to you, "Look, I know what you did. I forgive you. And to show you that I forgive you, I have personally paid the punishment for your misdeeds and crimes that you deserve. Receive my forgiveness and be a part of the cure to this broken world. Give the one thing that heals the wounds of the world - forgive. As Jesus once said to his followers, "freely you have received, freely give."

And might I add - "Freely forgive."

Thanks for Listening,

Daniel Lovett
www.reflectworship.com