As we approach the events of Easter during the coming days, we are reminded that forgiveness is the gift of reconciliation with God through the cross, and in forgiveness, there is love, “To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness” (Daniel 9:9). 

 At this time of introspection, repentance, and atonement, we may need to ask for forgiveness from someone we know or love, “One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend” (Proverbs 17:9). We may need to forgive someone who has hurt or wronged us, both past and present, “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone” (Mark 11:25). When we forgive, we bless the spirit of another with the gift of human grace. Human grace is a reflection of God’s grace, the divine gift of God’s love that is unearned, unmerited, and undeserved.

Perhaps as importantly, we may need to forgive ourselves. Guilt is not unfamiliar to those who live with moral and spiritual integrity. Unless we cultivate a kind of sociopathic indifference to the consequences of our actions, when we do something wrong, something that hurts or offends someone else, or something that dishonors God, generally we feel guilt, shame, and a sense of remorse.

Though guilt is sometimes of our own design and making, it is very real to us. When guilt taunts our soul, the weight of our own self-talk keeps us buried in the wreckage of whatever convicts us. “I will never forgive myself” echoes in our head and heart. Yet God’s forgiveness requires no narrative of blame or self-justification. It demands only that we stand in the presence of God and receive the unconditional love of pure grace. There we are released from every human emotion that threatens to separate us from the love of God, “So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them” (1 John 4:16).

We defeat the past when we forgive. We free ourselves from the past when we practice holy forgetfulness. Forgetting to remember is a discipline—sometimes we must remember to forget and forget to remember, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NLT). When we practice holy forgetfulness, we stand triumphantly in the love light that is the presence of God, “The night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12 NRSV).

God answers our need for forgiveness with the gift of mercy, “But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Nehemiah 9:17). In forgiveness, our heart is redeemed to new life. In forgiveness our heart is restored to God,

Forgiveness is ours through the sacrifice of Christ, the love of God that redeems us and makes us whole, “I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3). At this Eastertide, bless others with your forgiveness even as you receive the gift of forgiveness in Christ through the love, mercy, and grace of God.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Ephesians 1:7