But don’t remember the sins of my youth or my wrongdoing. Remember me only according to your faithful love for the sake of your goodness, Lord. - Psalm 25:7
If I were to say we all make mistakes, I think it might be the understatement of all lifetimes. I know it’s become the little cliché that we use to make an excuse when we mess up, or to help us realize that we are human and the essence of human nature is sin. We are all aware of this, but what many people in our society lack is the understanding to forgive and forget. Yes, we may half-heartedly forgive the person who cut us off in traffic, once we get to our location safely; or we might say “that’s okay” to the clerk who got our order wrong. But what are we thinking in those moments? Are we really forgiving? And what about the big stuff; the times when we are hurt by people we love, know, and are a part of our everyday lives? Forgiveness is a big deal and it is the one thing that we count on for our own salvation, so shouldn’t we also forgive?
Jesus says in Luke 6:37 “…forgive and you will be forgiven.” We also pray in our Lord’s Prayer to be forgiven our trespasses (sins) as we forgive those who trespass (sin) against us. It is in this same spirit that David cries out to the Lord to not remember his sin and his wrong doing. It is interesting that David does not ask to be forgiven as much, but for it not to be remembered. David, like many of us, know that sacrifice has paid the penalty of our sin, so what we need, is for God not to bring it up again, to not look on our sinful nature, but to look on the righteousness that was bestowed upon us by grace.
If we want God to look at us in such a way, should we not (being called to righteousness by Christ) look upon others in the same way? I believe we are forgiven simply by asking in faith, but I also believe we grow as Christians by truly forgiving those people who have wronged us in any way, and not ever giving it a second thought. After all, once a sin is forgotten, it is no longer an accusation to cause division, but an open path that leads to restoration of mind, body, soul, and relationships.
Offering forgiveness in our world today seems to have become difficult. People seem more intent on revenge or “getting even” rather than forgiveness. We want to make things more complex than they need to be, and sometimes, it seems like people want to be angry. Why would we want to be angry? Those who follow this path are missing out on the peace of the Lord.
If we were to follow David’s psalm a little further what we would find is: 8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
In humility, in offering forgiveness, in choosing to let it go, in finding release of anger; we find the peace of God that leads us on the paths of righteousness for His name sake. May God offer you the peace and assurance of his love and grace now and always. Amen.
Grace & Peace,
Sam