Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
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Thanks for joining us today. I humbly report that the Lord has “called” me to write about forgiveness after last week’s “Love” study when I wrote:
“I must inject a somber thought into this lovefest. It is difficult to love someone after they have intentionally done you wrong — which all of us have experienced to some degree. (See ‘Forgiveness’ addressed in Vol. 53 and Vol. 198.)”
After writing that, I realized I had never authored a Bible study exclusively about “forgiveness” and filed that thought away, but the thought refused to be “filed.” Going with the flow, I reread Vol. 198, “What the Bible Says about New Year Resolutions” — a “trick” title since the Bible does not address the topic. In the study, I asked:
“How about a New Year’s resolution that includes forgiveness? Yes, I know this is a tough one. It includes mending fences so you can move ahead (or fully close the gate) with the person(s) who hurt, betrayed, stole, cheated, or tried to destroy your life. So, why don’t you try it, tell me how it went, and then I will consider forgiveness in 2025. But to get you started, here are some “go-to” verses.”
Six months later, I had an “ah-ha” moment, an undeniably strong message that it was time to write about and deal with my forgiveness issues and not wait until 2025. This study is for my benefit, but surely, some readers struggle with forgiveness. We begin with what Jesus said:
“‘For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins’” (Matthew 6:14-15).
I understand what Jesus said but have trouble operationalizing the concept. One way I semi-successfully wrestle with forgiveness is to remember why Joseph forgave his brothers, who, because of jealousy, had sold him into slavery. Then, over time, through a series of events and Joseph’s many talents, the Pharaoh of Egypt declared: “‘I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt’” (Genesis 41:41).
If you are unfamiliar with Joseph’s story, it is an enthralling saga that begins in Genesis 37 and concludes with Chapter 50, the end of Genesis. Here are the relevant passages, and I love the English Standard Version’s translation subhead that reads, “God's Good Purposes,” which we discuss on the other side. My go-verse is in bold:
“When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, ‘It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.’ So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, ‘Your father gave this command before he died, “Say to Joseph, Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.” ‘And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.’ Joseph wept when they spoke to him.”
“His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, ‘Behold, we are your servants.’ But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. [Joseph had brilliantly managed Egypt’s food resources for a famine that he knew was coming.] So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.’” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them” (Genesis 50:15-21).
Regarding my forgiveness issues (directed at someone who shall remain unnamed), I pound my brain with this most profound biblical concept: “What you did for evil, God meant for good.” My problem is that the message comes and goes. Nonetheless, inherently, I know that God ultimately used evil acts perpetrated against me for His glory, but it took decades to recognize His plan. Are there any readers who can relate? If so, when unforgiveness infiltrates our psyche, let’s promise to keep what God meant “for good” front and center in our prayer life.
In our remaining time, let’s review some aspects of forgiveness, such as “How often shall we forgive?” Jesus had the answer:
“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven’” (Matthew 18:21-22).
Translation: We must forgive often and without reservations because there is power in forgiveness, signaling that you are strong enough to let go.
What about transgressions we have perpetrated against others? Here is where a personal relationship with Jesus comes in handy. He said:
“‘But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.’ So he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Get up, take your mat and go home’” (Matthew 9:6). Remember Jesus also said:
“‘And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses’” (Mark 11:25).
Why shall we forgive? Answer: We must be obedient to the Lord our God as he commanded in the Hebrew Bible:
“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord”(Leviticus 19:18). Jesus said:
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven (Luke 6:37).
The best example of why we should forgive is that Jesus forgave His enemies when suffering on the cross, saying:
“‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’” (Luke 23:34).
For those who strive to be Christ-like in an unchristian world, we must integrate forgiveness into our daily lives. No matter how painful the transgression, forgiveness is part of His larger plan for those who believe that we walk the earth to glorify Him. Amen!
Thanks for reading my “self-help therapy session,” doubling as a Bible study. I look forward to comments and emails about this crucial topic.
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. Her book, "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible," reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2,” with the same title, reprints Vols. 57-113. Order it here.
Myra is also the Executive Director of SignFromGod.org and the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. Both are educational donor-supported ministries dedicated to building a permanent Shroud of Turin exhibit in Washington, D.C., and promoting the $1 Million Challenge to replicate the Shroud. Contact: <MyraAdams01@gmail.com>