Off the top of your head, what is the definition of forgiveness?
Many of us would say our primary definition is “to cease to feel resentment against.” If you look up “forgive” at Dictionary.com, this is not the first definition used. In fact, it’s the fourth. The first three definitions of forgiveness all involve a pardon or release from a debt. Forgiveness isn’t acting as if nothing has happened. Something has happened. A true act of forgiveness is taking on the responsibilities of any consequences with no blame remaining on the one that caused it. Too often we think of forgiveness as “I’ll be nice to him, but I need to be careful so that he doesn’t hurt me again.” We could argue that in our sinful world there are instances of forgiveness where self-preservation is needed. All I know is that Jesus thought forgiveness was worth dying for.
Many times the reason we can’t fully forgive is that we haven’t truly understood our forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 says to forgive as you have been forgiven. While this is normally used as a motivator to forgive others, it can be a great measuring stick as to how much you have allowed yourself to be forgiven by God. So let’s check in with someone who understood forgiveness…
Many believe that Psalm 103 was written by David in his later years long after God had forgiven him of his more regretful actions including adultery and murder. He had experienced overwhelming and undeserved grace so much that he truly understood the heart of God. David knew that the forgiveness he received was built on the immeasurable heights of God’s love. Because God is love, His forgiveness completely resolves any and all debts you owe to Him. David describes it is as if all records of your wrong-doing have been packed up and shipped away further than human understanding.
If you use the pre-meal prayer inspired by verse 1 of Psalms 103:
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