Biblical Answer

Can forgiveness really set us free?

Forgiveness is a divine miracle of grace that can set us free from the prison of bitterness and resentment. When we accept forgiveness from God, we are set free from the penalty of our sin. Similarly, when we extend forgiveness to our adversaries, we are set free from their sin as well. However, forgiveness is not a one-time event, but a process that requires practice to perfect. It takes time and effort to relinquish our bitterness and resentment, and we may need to forgive our adversaries a dozen times or more before we are truly free. Forgiveness is not a natural act, but an unnatural one that requires a conscious decision to let go of our anger and hurt.

The connection between our forgiving and being forgiven is graphically expounded in the Bible. Jesus teaches that we should forgive abundantly and repeatedly (Matt. 18:22; Luke 17:3-4). Forgiveness is not just a moral obligation, but a necessary step in our spiritual growth and maturity. When we forgive, we are not only setting ourselves free, but also our adversaries. Forgiveness is a two-way street, and it requires both parties to be willing to let go of their anger and hurt.

In conclusion, forgiveness can indeed set us free. However, it is not a cheap or easy process. It requires effort and practice to perfect, and it may take time and repetition to relinquish our bitterness and resentment. But the reward is worth it – we are set free from the prison of our anger and hurt, and we are able to live a life of peace and joy. As Stott writes, "We may forgive the injuries which others do to us; but the sins we commit against God only God himself can forgive." (Stott, BC, 29) Forgiveness is a divine miracle of grace that can transform our lives and set us free from the power of sin.