As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us will be forced to reflect on the hurts and offenses we've suffered from our families, causing us to wonder whether we will choose to join them again at this year's festivities, or find an excuse to avoid the conflict. It's important at these times to decide whether we will obey our God when He tells us to forgive.
When I was younger I developed a trick to help me forgive. When I think about the wrong someone has done to me, I remind myself that one of two outcomes is in store for this individual: either their sins will be nailed to the cross at Calvary, or that person will enter into a literal eternity of torment for what they've done. I ask myself, "If their sins end up being forgiven by God, then who am I to not forgive? And if they are one day sent into that forever fire, what more can my harbored unforgiveness add to such terrible, perfect justice?" When I recognize their sins will be dealt with perfectly - one way or the other - it frees me up to let go of the resentment I feel, trusting justice into God's hands, and to love them with God's love that desires "none should perish" (2 Pet 3:9).
Forgiveness doesn't mean blindly trusting someone again or allowing them to continue hurting or taking advantage of you. It means giving to God those things which stand between your heart and them, and allowing God's will for your offender to supplant your own. It means treating others in such a way that says, "I am not condemned, so neither do I condemn you."
No sin that's ever been committed against you has ever begun to approach even the smallest sin you've committed against God, which is probably why God expects it from us: "For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses." (Matt 6:14-15 NASB). Forgiveness is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal in leading others to Christ. Let's choose to make this holiday season our ministry and mission field, demonstrating to others the supernatural forgiveness available to them through Christ.