I’m not even sure where to begin with this. There has been a lot floating around in my head lately, and I keep seeing insights into all of it, but have been neglectful to write them all down, so I’m sorta winging this.
Forgiveness has been churning in my head, but it’s murky. The realization came to me the other night, that while I am expecting (or hoping for) forgiveness from Christ in the afterlife, so is everyone else. And I do not get a say in who is or isn’t forgiven. We must allow Christ to forgive those who have trespassed us and accept it. We will enter the Kingdom in gratitude and grace, no doubt, however, when we enter in, there may be, standing in front of us, that person or those people who have sinned against us, who caused deep hurt or resentment or bitterness. What will our feelings be when we see that person in front of us in their sinless state of being forgiven and equal to us, loved by God just as much and just as happy and free? Will anger, resentment, or hate rise up within us? If so … we haven’t truly forgiven, and our hearts are not completely prepared for a glorified state. Will we run to Christ protesting, “How can you let that person in here?! Don’t you know what he did to me?!” Of course He knows. He was there.
In Matthew chapter 20, Jesus teaches the parable of the laborers. Some begin work at the beginning of the day. They have agreed to a wage that was fair to them. Some start during the middle of the day, and they too, have accepted a wage they feel is fair. Others don’t begin work until the day is almost over. All of the laborers get paid the same amount. Some say it isn’t fair that they worked longer than the others but was paid the same. The master reminds them that they agree to the wage and felt it was fair at the time with the suggestion, “Take that thine is, and go thy way.” He continues, “I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful to do what I will with mine own?”
So we must ask what is ours that He has given us? Given the scenario above regarding forgiveness, He has given us peace and rest from the exhaustion that hate and anger and resentment really are. Should we not simply take this gift and blessing and be grateful and go our way? Isn’t forgiveness His to do what He will with? That is what we must really accept when it comes to forgiveness. If we want forgiveness, we must allow Him to forgive all. That is how we also forgive. If we can allow Christ to love that person as much as He loves us, then we have forgiven and are free.
The ability, no … the willingness to forgive is not something that we will automatically gain when we pass to the other side. Contention that rages in our hearts now, will likely still rage then. Resentments we hold tight will still be available to us if we choose them. Yes, I believe we will have the opportunity to better understand situations, circumstances, and reasoning when we get to the other side, but understanding does not always deem soft feelings. So, whether it is here on this side of the viel, or on the other, at some point, we must choose to let it all go and allow Christ to love as He will and does. Don’t waste precious time. Choose to be free now.
Forever grateful for a God full of mercy and love for all, and forever grateful for the opportunity to choose.
