FergusonPoetryProject LLC

What is forgiveness in regards to Christian Liberty?

Christianity and the spirit of forgiveness gifts us the ability to exist in a state of perpetual and habitual forgiveness. This is also a calling to extend that forgiveness towards others. Now, to succeed in this matter is a completely different discussion because as long as we wear coats of sinful flesh we are doomed to fall into traps that the devil sets one after the other. Learning these traps and what they look like can help us from falling into similar traps, but the devil is tricky. A bear trap can be quite noticeable, but a tripwire can be hidden from even the most trained eye.

It seems easy to fall into the trap of un-forgiveness. It seems easy to attach to bitterness, vengeance, blame, hatefulness, and rage without noticing those seeds ever being planted. Scrubbing these forms of debris from the heart can become quite challenging. This is especially true when years go by and a callus has formed around the unwarranted object trapped in your spirit. We are called to not allow these things to defile us. We are called to turn away from things that are not from God who is love, or of God which is love.

We understand ghosts as creatures that are forced to relive their pasts. We have heard people be referred to as ‘ghosts of their former self’. Tragedy can be unfair and undeserved, but many people allow the things done to them to direct the ebb and flow of their spirituality, love-life, and any/every relationship. Forgiveness is a process that allows for the complete removal of this power and control over the bystander’s lifecycle.

We may sin, but we may find sin happening to us as well. If left unchecked these sins that happen(ed) to us can lead to us holding onto their evil in a way that can and will lead us to commit another form of evil to ourselves or someone else. Forgiveness allows this cycle to break. Forgiveness allows us to move forward in a way that is as if the event happened, but with a removal of pain and discomfort. God does not forget sin, but he does forgive sin. You may never forget the bad thing that happened to you, but through forgiveness you will not feel weighted down by that thing or event. This is the removal of sin in your life. This is what allows us to truly be with God. This is what allows our earthly bodies to host the Holy Spirit.

Debt in all forms is terrible. Whether financial debt, emotional debt, labor debt etc… the feeling of owing or being owed is never satisfying. Debt will always leave one party or all parties feeling worse. Being free of debt, or breaking away from debt is one of the most satisfying feelings a human can experience. Breaking the bond of slavery is one of the most powerful events a person can experience. When just or unjust, fair or unfair, debt ruins lives faster than the clock ticks. Forgiveness can be an immediate removal of any and all debts. In Jesus name we can be made new. In Jesus name we can start over. In Jesus name all debts can be paid and removed.

The ultimate form of forgiveness is the ability to pray for those who have wronged you. The ultimate form of forgiveness is to forgive yourself for the crimes and sins against your past self that directly affect you in the present. This is freedom. This is the ability to escape from generational curses. This is not a way to get out of literal debt against a bank because when dealing with the secular world and non-believers we are subjected to play by the rules of the world in honesty. What we are talking about is in reference to clearing and cleaning the debts that accumulate in the heart, in the mind, and in the spirit.

And so, we learn how to forgive because we have been forgiven. We have been given a second chance at life and life abundantly. Repentance can not be overlooked, and we must rebuke those who do not care to live though the lens of faith and forgiveness. Believers to believers have the ability to make right the worst of wrongs. Sadly, this is not possible with unbelievers because they cannot fathom what it means to forgive because they have not themselves been forgiven. This experience is critical, and it is exactly why we as believers should pray unconditionally for those we love but who have not been saved through Jesus. Acknowledging the sacrifice of Jesus is critical for self-forgiveness that can be then given to a brother, sister, friend, or even a stranger. This is the purest form of evangelism.

Forgiveness, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is the cornerstone for evangelism. Without forgiveness, evangelism is a banging gong or a clanging symbol. Evangelism becomes a hypocritical, self-righteous, and a poor representation of faith without forgiveness. Your words, your art, your work, your presence, your wisdom will be lost in the sea as a rain drop that no one saw fall without forgiveness. Now, with faith, forgiveness is achievable. The best part about faith is that it only takes an atom’s worth. Jesus describes the power of faith like a mustard seed and its capabilities when applied. Forgiveness takes less than that. A seed of forgiveness truly forms into the tree of life itself. It becomes the tree that we do not need to take the fruit of because just by planting the seed the reward will allow us to live forever in peace, in joy, and with love.

This is forgiveness,

James Arthur Ferguson

Concepts from:

The Gospel of Luke- Chapter 17

Psalm- Chapter 23

Gospel In Life with Timothy Keller- Forgiveness

C.S. Lewis Faith, Christianity, and the Church- Christianity and Culture