Forgiveness
”Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).
Forgiving people who have caused us hurt or pain may feel impossible.
Research tells us that forgiveness is good for the soul and can improve mental health and emotional wellbeing.
When Jesus taught about forgiveness, it wasn’t about following rules that make us conform to religious expectations.
It was about being open to a process that releases us from pain and hurt so that we might have life in all its fullness. It was grounded in Jesus’ love. He practiced what he preached: the first words Jesus said when he was nailed to the cross were "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23.34) How hard must it have been for Jesus to forgive those around him as he hung on the cross?
You may harbour resentment towards someone who has hurt you, struggling to let go of past hurts which gnaw away within you. Perhaps there are there broken relationships you would love to restore, if only you were able to forgive. Tell God what you are thinking and feeling. Be honest with God and share both your hopes and struggles. As Abbot John Chapman, a Benedictine monk, once said, ‘Pray as you can, not as you can’t’.
Here's a simple prayer, say it with me
Forgiving God,
sometimes it’s hard to think about someone who has caused hurt and grief, let alone to forgive them.
Thank you that you love me and forgive me, no matter what I’ve done to offend you.
Help me to forgive, as you forgive me.
Amen.
What would you do?
In John 8:7, Jesus says, "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone." Study the painting and reflect on these words.
Take time out
Jesus knew how difficult it would be for his followers to forgive others, whatever the scale or nature of the offence.
Take five minutes to listen to this immersive Bible meditation as Jesus answers Peter’s question on how many times he should forgive someone who had sinned against him.
We may not feel forgiving towards some people, but it may help to think about it as if we were looking through God’s eyes and how he looks at us.
Longer mediations on this theme are available on taketime.org.uk
Sometimes pain and resentment can have a physical effect on our bodies.
Try this simple way of praying by using your body.
Bring the fingertips of both hands together as a symbol that you are connecting with God.
Open your hands out, palms upwards to ask for God’s forgiveness for your own sins.
Clasp your hands together near your heart to remind yourself of Jesus’ love and forgiveness.
Stretch your arms out in front of the body to offer love and forgiveness to others.
Reaching out with forgiveness
‘Forgiveness’ by Matthew West is a song based on the experience of Renee, who learned to forgive and reach out to the person who caused the death of her daughter Megan through a drink driving accident, leading to healing for both the victim and perpetrator.
As you listen to the song, ask God to help you learn to forgive.
You may be interested in
God, how can we forgive?
You may interested to read an article in the Resources Hub with a reflection on the hymn