If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered. – Psalm 130:3-4
Why is forgiveness so important? When we look at the scriptures we see forgiveness as a theme throughout. Early on, forgiveness comes after some kind of reconciled punishment or sacrifice. As we progress, however, forgiveness is something that we must offer in order to receive, and finally, we come to an understanding that Jesus would be the final word, that his love, in death and in resurrection would offer forgiveness through faith to all.
Forgiveness, to some, is the beginning of faith. However, as we grow in our faith we find that forgiveness is something that happens throughout this journey in life. Understanding that forgiveness is part of the divine image that we attain through our faith in Christ, helps us to realize that when we do forgive others, we are acting as beacons of hope for our world. We also find that the hardest persons to forgive are those closest to us, and in some cases, it is that ability to forgive oneself for things that have been pressed deep down within.
When we see the song of ascent prayed as one draws closer to a place of worship, the psalmists is reminded of their own sin, and questions that if God marked all iniquity (all sin) none could stand in worship. I see this as a reflection of the hurt one bears within, as they go to worship an almighty God, knowing their failures. Yet, the psalmist reminds us, in God there is forgiveness, and in forgiveness we are perhaps the most free we can be on this earth.
Our faith in the forgiveness offered by God, through Christ, allows our hearts to rejoice, our spirits to be lifted, and our minds to be at peace. For in forgiveness we know a love that surpasses what we deserve, and learn that we can offer the hope of peace to others in the name of the Lord.
Grace & Peace,
Sam