What is Forgiveness? (LD 51; Col. 3:12-17)

Reformed & Expository Preaching

The Complexity of Forgiveness in the Christian Community

The concept of forgiveness is complex, balancing the call to forgive wholeheartedly with the need for wisdom and protection against enabling sin or specifically abuse. The catechism emphasizes bearing the cost of forgiveness, enduring whatever consequences arise while consciously choosing to let go of grudges. This call to bear extends beyond forgiveness to tolerating differences within the Christian community, as exemplified by the early church’s struggles with cultural and religious diversity. The Jewish people had to get along with the Gentiles in particular. Unfortunately, this did not go so well. Remember, Christian Liberty is the freedom to work out my salvation rather than my permission to test the boundaries of grace.

Christ Sets the Tone for Forgiveness

Colossians 3 emphasizes the importance of forgiveness within the Christian community, highlighting that it is not optional but a necessary consequence of being God’s people. Forgiveness, rooted in love and understanding of our shared identity in Christ, is a reflection of God’s grace and a means to honor Christ. The ultimate standard for forgiveness is Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, where He bore the full cost of our sins, enabling us to be reconciled to God.

The Cost of Forgiveness

The call to forgive, as outlined in Colossians 3, is rooted in understanding our identity in Christ and the cost of His forgiveness. Forgiveness means lifting or taking away. This means that we will bear the cost when we forgive. So, forgiveness does not necessarily mean that we trust an individual or group again, but rather that we entrust justice to God. While we forgive, we may need to set boundaries and protect ourselves from harm, as exemplified by Paul’s warnings about individuals like Alexander the Coppersmith. However, we still move beyond the offense; we understand that the offense will never be compensated, and we press forward without holding a grudge. The event is in the past, and now we move forward in the future.

The Standard of Forgiveness

The text emphasizes the importance of forgiveness within the Christian community, highlighting that it is not optional but a necessary consequence of being God’s people. Forgiveness, rooted in love and understanding of our shared identity in Christ, is a reflection of God’s grace and a means to honor Christ. The ultimate standard for forgiveness is Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, where He bore the full cost of our sins, so that we could be reconciled to God. We need to reflect on the reality that we are brought near to God as those who have offended and incurred a debt that we can never pay. Christ bore the cost to bring us near to the living God so we can enter the most holy place by being seated with Christ in our union with him.

Conclusion

Forgiveness is a complex Christian concept, balancing the call to forgive wholeheartedly with the need for wisdom and protection. It is rooted in understanding our shared identity in Christ and the cost of His forgiveness, reflecting God’s grace and honoring Christ. Yes, forgiveness will cost, but we need to remember the cost that Christ bore for us to draw near to him.