Since we are to forgive others “just as God in Christ also hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32), it seems very appropriate to study how God forgives. We’ve learned that He 1) is willing to forgive, 2) is ‘aggressive’ in forgiving us, 3) places conditions on us in order to be forgiven, 4) forgives absolutely, 4) forgives permanently, and 5) forgives repeatedly. We should imitate Him in all these ways when others sin against us.
Finally, let us observe that forgiveness does not always remove all the consequences of our misdeeds. Some examples will illustrate our meaning:
1) A man is abusive of his wife and children. For years he is negligent and mean. Finally he ‘comes to himself’, repents, and asks their forgiveness. They forgive him, but it is unreasonable to imagine that his family will ever be rid of the terrible scars that have been inflicted. He is forgiven, by his family and by God, but that family has been changed forever by his wrongs.
2) Another man cheats on his wife. Thankfully he realizes how horribly he has sinned against her and God. He begs forgiveness, and it is granted by both. But things are not the same as before he made those wicked choices. She decides to divorce him (her rightful choice). He is forgiven, but he must live alone the rest of his life.
3) In a moment of uncontrolled rage, a man strikes another. The blow inflicts a mortal wound. He is arrested, convicted, sentenced. He mourns, repents, and seeks forgiveness. Can he be forgiven? Of course! But he must still suffer the consequences of his deed.
Forgiveness is a wonderful thing – but, how much better to live so as to limit the need to approach God and man seeking it.
– by Greg Gwin