Jesus encouraged us to forgive if we wanted to be forgiven. If we look at this on the surface it has all the makings of a God that is conditional in the way he deals with us and encourages us to deal with others.
Yet today more than ever I believe that we carry God’s forgiveness permanently even if we don’t forgive others. Please allow me to explain by asking you to imagine that forgiveness is a reality we function within and not the result from a transaction. The Bible clearly says that we are to confess, not ask for forgiveness of our sins. This means that we simply need to acknowledge them to God and as we do we once again are aware of the forgiveness that has always been there for us.
Understanding this helps us to see that what Jesus was really saying was:
“Listen if you hold unforgiveness towards someone else this will block you from seeing and being aware of the forgiveness that I am already extending over your life. This inability to see it will invite guilt and shame to take root which in time will once again lead you to the place where it will once again become about what you do and you don’t do instead of knowing what is already true about you and God.”
In reality there are consequences for our actions however when it comes to God and the way He deals with us these consequences should not be seen as God being conditional with us. As when it appears conditional, is because it is probably starting with us as we try and experience through our own effort and works what only grace can deliver into our lives.
Remember – God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is complete, consistent, and true. We are not and that is why we need to keep forgiving each other.
-pablo-
Photo by Halley Alexa
