The Love Dare - Day 25

Love Forgives

Jesus once told a story of an unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:21-35). In this parable, Jesus tells us of a master who forgave his servant an unimaginable debt. However, after having received his freedom, the servant did something unthinkable. He went to all of those who owed him smaller debts and demanded immediate payment. Upon hearing of this, the master turned the servant over to the jailors to be tortured until the debt was paid.

This parable reminds us of the unimaginable debt that has been forgiven on our behalf through Jesus Christ. Who are we to then turn around and approach our spouse and others with a lack of forgiveness? Will we enslave those who have wronged us in a prison inside of our own hearts? The problem is that we, ourselves, become enslaved along with them because of our bitterness and lack of forgiveness. Jesus remains, though, offering the key to freedom.

Our problem stems from a lack of understanding what forgiveness is. Forgiving someone doesn't absolve them of their sin. Forgiving merely releases them from our own selfish punishment to God's divine justice. The burden that we carry around is lifted from our lives like a weight.

What we must understand is that our lack of forgiveness is nothing more than our desire for revenge. We want the situation to be made right. We want restitution! However, God's Word tells us, "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." (Romans 12:19)

While we may rightfully deserve restitution, we must be deliberate in trusting God's faithfulness and justice in our own lives. Our idea of restitution and revenge are perverted and sinful in nature. We could never repay someone with an equal punishment for what has been done to us. We will always want to punish unequally. That is our own sinful nature.

If your spouse has sinned against you, you must forgive him/her if you want to have any hope for a successful marriage. Give your spouse over to God. Release him/her from your self-made prison, and, in turn, experience freedom yourself. Know that as you walk in forgiveness, God will honor your obedience.