A Woman to Woman Article
Forgive and Forget
I was talking to a friend the other day. We were discussing how we feel when we are wronged or offended. My friend said, “I forgive but I never forget. I know that’s not right but I cannot help it. That’s the way I am.”
Let’s look at God’s word and see if He forgives and forgets. Starting with “The Lord’s Prayer” in Matthew 6:12 and 14, we find that if we forgive others for their transgressions, then our heavenly Father will also forgive ours. Matthew 6:15 tells us very plainly that if we do not forgive others, our heavenly Father will not forgive our transgressions. Read it for yourself! “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matt. 6:15). Mark 11:26 says again, “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.”
A valuable lesson is found in 2 Corinthians 2:10-11. “If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” Who wants us to dwell on the wrongs and offenses done to us and not forgive each other? Satan! He promotes dissension and evil schemes among people. He wants confusion and disharmony among God’s people.
We are reminded in Ephesians 4:32 to be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven us. Colossians 2:13-14 clearly tells us that we are dead when we are in our sins or transgressions, but when the Lord forgives us all our transgressions, the certificate of debt against us is canceled and taken away. Jesus Christ’s death assures us this when we live to please Him daily by practicing righteousness. 1 John 1:9 tells us again that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I strive to imitate God’s example of forgiveness daily. “For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon Thee” (Psalm 86:5).
Now we see how forgiving our heavenly Father is. But does He forget? Let’s look at Hebrews 10:17. “And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Does God forgive and forget? Yes, indeed! So let’s imitate Him daily by forgiving and forgetting the wrongs and offenses that have been done to us, just as Jesus Christ Himself would do.
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children”—Ephesians 5:1.