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Faith Love & Life |
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Forgiveness is a complex and deeply personal journey. It's a topic intertwined with various beliefs, values, and perspectives. One common notion that often surfaces in discussions about forgiveness is whether or not forgetting is a necessary component of the process. Some argue that it's possible to forgive without forgetting, while others believe that true forgiveness entails letting go of the memory of the wrongdoing altogether.
I've encountered individuals, including devout Christian counselors, who adamantly advocate for the idea that forgetting is not essential in forgiveness. Their stance, often conveyed with sternness, is that one can extend forgiveness while retaining the offense's memory. But this notion begs a deeper exploration. In conversations about forgiveness, I'm often reminded of Isaiah 43:25, a verse from the Bible that speaks volumes about the nature of forgiveness: "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." This verse highlights a profound aspect of forgiveness—the act of forgetting. If even God chooses to forget our transgressions once forgiven in His infinite grace and mercy, shouldn't we strive to do the same for others? It's a compelling argument. If we're called to emulate the divine example of forgiveness, then it stands to reason that we should endeavor to forget the wrongs done to us once we've extended forgiveness. This doesn't suggest that forgetting is easy or even possible in every circumstance. Memories can linger, and the pain inflicted by past offenses may not simply vanish from our minds at the snap of a finger. However, the essence of forgiveness lies in releasing the hold that those memories have over us, allowing healing and reconciliation to take place. When we forgive someone, we're not just pardoning their actions; we're also releasing ourselves from the burden of carrying resentment and bitterness. But true forgiveness goes beyond mere words or gestures. It involves a fundamental shift in how we perceive and interact with the person who has wronged us. It means treating them as if they had never committed the offense in the first place, extending them the same grace and compassion that we ourselves have received. This doesn't mean we're obligated to forget every detail of the offense or pretend it never happened. Instead, it's about choosing not to dwell on past grievances, not allowing them to poison our thoughts or relationships. It's about consciously reframing our perspective and focusing on the potential for growth, reconciliation, and restoration. Of course, the journey toward forgiveness is rarely straightforward. It requires courage, humility, and vulnerability. It may involve confronting painful emotions, engaging in difficult conversations, and setting healthy boundaries. But amidst the challenges, profound liberation and healing can be found. In the end, forgiveness is as much about the art of forgetting as it is about the act of pardoning. It's about letting go of the past and embracing the possibility of a brighter, more peaceful future. So, let us strive to follow the divine example of forgiveness, extending grace and compassion to others and, in the process, experiencing the life-changing power of letting go.
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 In a world where differences seem to divide us more than ever, it's crucial to remember the essence of compassion and understanding, especially regarding matters of faith and personal choices. As Christians, we're blessed to have moved beyond the constraints of the Mosaic Laws, those guidelines once necessary for spiritual growth and connection with God. Mosaic Laws Versus Jesus' Truth and Grace The Mosaic Laws were intricate, filled with ceremonies, rituals, and symbols intended to guide people in their faith journey. They served as a bridge leading humanity toward Christ, reminding them of their duties and responsibilities. Yet, as God observed our struggle to uphold these laws, He sent His Son, Jesus, to fulfill them completely. Jesus didn't come to abolish the Law of Moses but to bring it to its consummation. His sacrifice on the cross marked the fulfillment of those laws, liberating us from their mandates. Through His grace, we are no longer bound by legalistic observances but are saved from sin and embraced by His love. As Jesus Himself said in John 13:34-35 (ESV): 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." However, the transition from the law to grace wasn't easy for everyone, especially for Jewish Christians, who found it challenging to let go of familiar rituals. Yet, the essence of grace and truth brought by Jesus surpasses the confines of any law as John 1:17 (NIV) reminds us: 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. What Defiles a Person? While we should never knowingly serve pork to someone who regards it as "unclean," and we may choose not to eat pork in their presence, we, however, reject the idea of condemning others who consume it as part of their regular diet. Judging others in this matter comes from the mistaken belief that today, pork is forbidden, unclean, going against God's wishes, and eating it defiles the body and the Holy Spirit living in it. We can point to several points in Scripture that weigh in on this matter, for example, Mark 7:14-23 (ESV), which reads: 14 And he called the people to him again and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand: 15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him." 17 And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 And he said to them, "Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, 19 since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?" (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 And he said, "What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person." In Acts 10:10-15 (NLT), we read how God sent meat for Peter to eat, and when Peter would not eat the meat, claiming it was unclean, God made it clear that anything He made clean is clean. 10 and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. 12 In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. 13 Then a voice said to him, "Get up, Peter; kill and eat them."  No Judgment When faced with criticism or judgment for choices that may differ from others' interpretations, it's essential to recall the wisdom of Scripture. Romans 14:1-4 and Romans 14:14-15 teach us about respecting individual convictions, emphasizing that what may be permissible for one could cause distress to another. Romans 14:1-4 (NLT) Similarly, 1 Corinthians 10:25-27 and 1 Timothy 4:4-5 reassure us that everything created by God is good and acceptable, urging us to receive all with gratitude and without causing unnecessary offense. 1 Corinthians 10:25-27 (CJB) We, as humans, are also God's creatures. In Acts 10:28-29 (NLT), we read that we should not judge people as unclean. 28 Peter told them, "You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. 29 So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me. Released From the Laws I believe the Mosaic laws were in place to help guide people toward a reliable, sustainable lifestyle, one that pleased God. But, when God saw that man could not follow these laws, He sent His Son, Jesus, to fulfill these laws once and for all. It was at the moment of sacrifice in death that our lives were released from the confines of the Mosaic laws. With Jesus' death and resurrection, we were then released under the love of Jesus' grace and guidance. The laws became a burden, and in time, the laws were drilled down to just a few things, as pointed out in Acts 15:29 (NLT): 29 You must abstain from eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. If you do this, you will do well. Farewell. I believe it is essential to read Acts 15:13-31 to gain a deeper understanding of the laws, why they were instilled in the first place, and why they were reduced to just following a few basic laws that would not hinder believers but would allow them to live a life with a deeper connection to God. Acts 15:13-31 (NLT) God Made All Things Good I believe God made everything good, and I do not judge what people eat, what they wear, or how they act. I leave judgment up to God. Colossians 2:16-17 (NLT) says: 16 So don't let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. 17 For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. In a world where diversity is celebrated, let us extend the same grace and understanding to one another as Christ has shown us. Instead of chastising differences, let us embrace them with love and humility, remembering that our ultimate calling is to love one another as Christ loves us. KEY:
CJB = Complete Jewish Bible ESV = English Standard Version NIV = New International Version NLT = New Living Translation Red text denotes direct quotes of Jesus speaking. |
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