Feature Article

What Does It Mean To Forgive?

One of the most life transforming statements of Scripture is giving in Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesians 4:31-32 when he states, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Many people I meet, including myself have been deeply hurt by the actions of others. Our first and natural response is often that of anger and rage at the injustice that has been forced upon us. But in this passage, God clearly sets a different direction for us to follow that begins with setting aside the anger toward the offender. Often when I present this passage to someone who has been hurt, they immediately object on a variety of grounds. I believe this is because we have a distorted view of forgiveness.