THE ADVENT – FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness is one of the central themes of advent. John 3:16 is one of the verses from the Bible, which gives us a glimpse into the heart of God, and helps us see and understand, this central theme – “16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

We see in these few words, the heart of God, so vividly displayed. They speak of His unconditional love, that is eager and willing to go to, such great lengths, just to find a solution for the problem of sin, and save us from our sins, and its consequences. What an amazing portrait of God is it!!!

God chose to forgive us our sins, by paying the price for the same, Himself…for only He could pay it. Paul writing to the Christians at Ephesus, says this about the love of God and the forgiveness – “4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-by grace you have been saved-“ – Ephesians 2:4

Further explaining the intricacies of this forgiveness from heaven, Paul has these words – “2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” “7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” “13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” – 1 John 2:2, Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:13-14

Let us gratefully and thankfully receive this forgiveness, that our Redeemer offers. God chose to forgive us, without waiting for us to ask for it. How we respond to His offer of forgiveness, and how to proceed further is a different story – it is called reconciliation. 

The principle we learn from God’s unconditional forgiveness, should become the foundational principle and the pillar, on which we must build our Christian life. Let us learn to forgive others, even before they ask for our forgiveness. What they do with it is their problem, and not ours to think. If they step forward, then the process of reconciliation can begin. 

As we approach Christmas, let us not hold on to unforgiveness. It is not good, and it is unhealthy. It will destroy us, and will make us utterly useless. Therefore, let us choose, as did our LORD, to forgive everyone, who have hurt us. This will initiate life in us, and will ignite a heavenly flame, that will empower us for a vibrant Christian life.