Cleansing Freedom

Forgiveness. 

Why is it so hard to forgive?  When I think about the times I've been offended, I can't honestly say that stewing on the offense provided much satisfaction; it generally caused a lot of anxiety and inner turmoil.

If you've read the story of Jacob and Esau, you quickly learn they don't have an ideal relationship.  Even before the boys were born they were struggling together in the womb.  And then later, Jacob received the family birthright because Esau foolishly sold it to him for the price of lentil stew and bread.  Then it all climaxed when Jacob deceives his father, which results in him receiving his father's blessing (God's blessing) rather than the rightful older brother, Esau.

It seems that whatever Jacob touches turns to gold.  I'm sure Esau felt that way too.  It was at this point in the story that Jacob fears for his life and flees to Haran to look for a wife.  On his way to Haran, Jacob has a dream that forever changed his life.  This may have been his defining moment when he realized the life he had been leading was not honoring to God and he set out to live in dependence on God.  As you read the next several chapters you see that Jacob was treated unfairly by his father-in-law over and over again, but not once does he return to his life of deceitfulness.

After spending 20 years working for his father-in-law, Jacob decides it's time to return to his homeland with his wives, children, servants and an abundance of livestock.

Naturally, Jacob is nervous and anxious about meeting his brother knowing they didn't part on good terms.  So Jacob sends hundreds of varying livestock to his brother as a peace offering for his part in their broken relationship.

Something amazing happens at the point in the story... Esau forgives.

As I read that portion of the story, I felt the weight lift that Jacob must have been feeling too.

You see, I understand that feeling very well.

Last fall, I posted an article about forgiveness.  At that time, I had truly forgiven someone who offended me, but over the past several weeks I felt God nudging me toward taking it one step further.  Like God always does with me, he spoke the idea of forgiveness into my heart it seemed at every turn -- bible messages, songs, radio broadcasts, etc.  So I listened to that nudging, sat down and crafted a letter to the offender offering complete forgiveness.  I don't know if this person is a Christ follower, but I told her that because I had been forgiven much by my Savior, I wanted to give her the same love and grace, and forgive completely.

I never expected to receive a reply back, but God graciously allowed me to hear back from her.  I was told what a gift it was to receive my forgiveness.  In that moment I felt like I think Jacob must have felt when he and Esau were reacquainted... the past was just that -- the past.  It was indeed very cleansing and freeing.

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.  (Matthew 6:14-15)

 

On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  (Romans 12:20)

Maybe you're struggling with this issue of forgiveness today.  Maybe someone under your roof has hurt you, an extended family member, church member, etc.  It is my prayer that you will find the courage and strength to give forgiveness today.

I'm thankful for the journey and lessons God taught me... it is only because of his mercy and grace that I am even able to broach this subject.  I write this post not for my own glory, but because I want to praise God for teaching me and growing me into the person He would have me to be.