Ten Things to Be Thankful For, Day 5: Forgiveness
Making the Choice to Forgive
One of the greatest books I have ever read is Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand. It is a biography about Louis Zamperini’s journey to Christ and his choice to forgive those who tortured him in the Japanese prison camps of World War II, personally. His journey was such an extraordinary event that the press followed the American Olympian and hero to Japan and chronicled the entire trip, including the moments he was in a room with the men that had abused him. What made these moments so amazing was that Louis had chosen to forgive, and then reconcile with, the men who kept him malnourished, beaten, and barely hanging on to life for so many months. Louis even penned a letter to his chief oppressor in the camps and forgave him, although he was never able to see him face-to-face.
Louis’s incredible journey to Japan would not have happened unless his wife had pleaded with him to join her at Billy Graham’s crusade in Los Angeles. Her life had been transformed by Jesus, and she knew that the message of the Gospel was the only thing that could save Louis from the pain and anger of his abuse at the hands of the Japanese soldiers. Louis attended the crusade, and when Billy Graham shared the Gospel, he said it was like Graham was talking just to him. In those moments, Louis gave his life to Christ and spent the rest of his years mentoring young men. My last memory of Louis is an interview where he proudly wore his USC cap and talked about God’s blessings in his life.
Louis’s story is such a challenge for us in the spiritual discipline of forgiveness. After his conversion, Louis recognized that it was only God’s mercy (lovingkindness) that could change his life. It took the message of the Gospel to transform him, and now by grace he was saved through faith. He was once dead in his sins, but now he was alive in Christ. Can you imagine that moment when God told him to go and reconcile with his oppressors? It was the lovingkindness of the Lord penetrating his life that led to his desire to extend mercy and forgiveness. The readers of the articles and magazines that covered the visit must have marveled at the genuineness of this man. In Louis, they saw a clear picture of a new man in Christ.
Mercy is a part of God’s character (Psalm 116:5). Without God’s mercy, there is no hope — it is the foundation of salvation (Ephesians 2:1 – 10; Titus 3:3 – 5; I Peter 1:3, 2:9 – 10). It is seen in His grace and forgiveness (I John 1:9). The greatest picture of God’s mercy is when He sent His Son to the cross so that we could be forgiven of our sins. Solomon told his son to choose mercy because it leads to the abundant “life, righteousness, and honor” (Proverbs 21:21).
Two of the greatest characteristics of God’s mercy are that in His mercy He is patient, and His mercy is never-ending (Psalm 103:8; 2 Peter 3:9; Psalm 118:1). As we look at God’s character and the mercy He has provided to us, we should also strive to be passionate about mercy as we live in relationship with each other (Micah 6:8). One verse that really stands out concerning God’s mercy and our relationship with Him and each other was also written by Solomon: “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). When you connect Solomon’s wisdom with the call to reconciliation by Jesus in Matthew 18, we see that we are not only recipients of God’s mercy, but through His power, we can offer mercy to those who offend us and receive it from those whom we have offended. This act of love leads to forgiveness and renewal in our relationships.
I know you are probably like me at this moment, recognizing that we all need some work in this area. God has called us to deeper relationships with each other and with those who do not know Jesus yet. Extending mercy in our conversations and responses to offenses can be a game-changer. Paul spoke to this when he said, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).
So, when you are in conversations this week and someone offends you, show mercy to them. If someone asks for forgiveness this week from you, give it graciously and allow God to work on that relationship. Don’t miss out on the power of mercy in your life through Christ, and the opportunity to extend mercy as we forgive those around us. This mindset can change the world through the power of Christ!
Pastor Chuck Reed