HOW TO FORGIVE-PART TWO

By Samuel Kahura Chege

To be able to start living in peace as one nation after the recent post-election violence that has created a deep valley between various communities in our country, we must be ready to forgive and pursue reconciliation. This is very hard, “But with God all things are possible.”1 It is possible for Christians to forgive and reconcile no matter the magnitude of the difference. Christ has given His true followers the ministry and message of reconciliation.2 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors of peace and should promote reconciliation among our neighbours. Where there is reconciliation, love and peace is found.

We cannot experience peace and unity unless we learn to forgive and practice it. However, many people, including strong Christians, find it difficult to forgive and live at peace with those who have wronged them. They harbour permanent grudges in their hearts because of the scars left by the harm. Yet, Jesus taught His disciples, “If you are offering a gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”3

Forgiveness and reconciliation are essential to all Christians. A readiness to forgive others indicates that we have truly repented and are now true followers of Christ. God instructs His people: “Forgive and you will be forgiven.”4

As true believers, we should imitate Christ in forgiving those who wrong us: “As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”5

Forgiveness should not be taken lightly as some people take it. For it to have a true meaning, it must be received with gratitude and regarded with awe and wonder. We need to realize that our God is “A forgiving God, gracious, and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.”6 Also “The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving.”7

A sincere forgiveness brings healing and reconciliation to broken relationships. It also sets a person free: “If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”8

The Bible tells Christians to: “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”9

DO NOT AVENGE

True forgiveness and reconciliation will only come if we restrain ourselves from taking revenge. We should leave this to God who says, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbour as yourself. I am the LORD.”10

Also Paul admonished, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 11

Even if someone offended you, the Lord commands you to take the initiative in seeking forgiveness and reconciling without giving any conditions. (Read Matthew 18:15 and Ephesians 4:32.)

Notes
1. Matthew 19:26 2. 2 Cor. 5:18-20
3. Matt. 5:23-24 4. Luke 6:37
5. Col. 3:13 6. Nehemiah 9:17
7. Daniel 9:9 8. John 20:23
9. Col 3:12-13 10. Lev. 19:18
11. Rom. 12:17-20

*Excerpt from the soon to be published book –Let’s Save Our Nation by Samuel Kahura Chege.
Used by permission of the author