Forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who tresspass against us

What does it mean to forgive?

Last Sunday we discussed the story of the unmerciful servant. As a reminder, this is the parable about the guy who had a huge debt and begged for forgiveness. But then, turned around and didn't show mercy to a friend of his who owed him a small amount of money. The story was brought to life by the drama group that performed a modern interpretation.

In the conversation, we talked about how forgiveness is like removing the bullet after a gunshot wound. The bullet needs to come out before healing can begin... and sometimes.... the bullet finds itself lodged in very delicate places and there is not always a simple answer to what it means to forgive.

What about in situations where people will still harm us? what does forgiveness look like then?

We talked about giving up the right to revenge. When people do bad things to us we are totally justified in reactions of vengeance. To forgive is to name those things which we have right to do and then to let go of them.

And so even though it can be complicated, forgiveness can be very cleansing and healing. What would it look like if you woke up one morning and the world was completely fresh. There was no bad air between you or anybody else? What would it look like if everyday you had a clean slate with the people you love?

God teaches us forgiveness because we have to live with each other's brokenness.