Time to Forgive

I once learned of a mother and son who were re-united after fifty years of separation. It was an emotional moment as the two were brought together by an organisation which painstakingly set out to find the lady’s eldest son at the request of his brother. He had been adopted as a baby. At the time of the adoption neither she nor her family were in a position to take care of this new life that had come into the world.

Now time was ebbing away and the elderly lady’s final desire was to see her long lost son, to know that he was well, and to ask for his forgiveness. When at last he walked into her hospital room, she threw her arms around him while repeating the words “I’m sorry….I’m sorry…” “It’s ok, there’s nothing to forgive….” came his tender reply as he hugged his terminally ill birth-mother. In a moment – fifty years of separation melted into emotional reconciliation as the two were reunited - all was forgiven

In this instance forgiveness seemed easy, but often, forgiveness is a process, especially where the ‘wrong’ perpetrated has wrought devastation in the life of the victim.

Nevertheless, forgiveness is a HUGE key to healing and freedom, for with it a person is immediately set free from the prison of the past, and can not only begin to enjoy the present, but they can step into the future unshackled by the chains of anger, bitterness and hatred. Also, if we desire our Heavenly Father’s forgiveness for our sins (crimes) against Him, then as the Lord’s prayer gently encourages us, we can then ask Him to “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” ….

The story of the Prodigal son is a well-known and much loved parable in the Bible, but it is also an eternally fresh picture of Father God running towards His much loved creation with open arms indicating His great open heart of endless love, despite the sins of an errant son.

Not so long ago, I was impacted by Peter Horrobin saying “Every day is a new opportunity to forgive…” If you are struggling with this key of forgiveness, try asking God to help you to forgive, as a first step. Today can be the beginning of freedom from the past as you step into your healing and the wonderful future that God has planned for you, for He indeed has “plans to prosper and not to harm you” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help us to forgive while there is still time so that we can enjoy the freedom that you purchased for us on the cross of Calvary. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.