Forgiveness
Luke 15:28-30 (NIV) —
‘The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
I’m sure many of you can relate to the sentiment of a sibling bringing out a ‘different’ side to you. That certainly was the case with my sister. Growing up, we argued our way through mysterious carpet stains, Wi-Fi router positioning, ripped wetsuits, crashed cars … the list goes on. There were many times when I truly believed I would never utter a word to her again.
We now, by choice, share a flat together. Not only has this reaffirmed my parents’ belief in miracles, but it’s also shown us both the beauty that comes with forgiveness.
In this story, the older son, struggled to find joy in his brother’s return. Looking to Deuteronomy 21:17, we see that the older brother will receive a double portion (66%) of his Father’s estate. So why so miserable? His inheritance hadn't changed at all. That wasn't the issue the older brother was struggling with; it was the sense of 'injustice' of his father's lavish celebration for the son who had squandered it all. He was drawn into comparison.
Have you ever felt blinded by your own feelings of injustice or resentment? Like forgiveness simply seems too far out of reach? As Christians, we face an incredibly challenging mandate. We are required to forgive in every situation, no matter how trivial or painful, whether we feel like it or not.
Only with God’s help can we genuinely do this. Look to the cross: Jesus, the only clean one without blemish, died to take the sins of all those unclean. Has there ever been more of an imbalance in what seems fair? When we feel hard done by, let us be reminded of the precious blood that was spilled for all and live in the freedom and joy that true forgiveness brings.
Prayer - Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for me. Show me where I need to forgive today.