Forgiveness

Kathi Pelton

Last night President Trump was interviewed on 60 Minutes and at the end he of the interview he was asked about life after death, heaven and forgiveness. He desires to go to heaven but confessed that he does not believe that he can forgive some of his enemies due to what they’ve done to him or our nation. When he said that, I longed to sit down with him and share with him about the truth regarding God’s forgiveness.

First, Jesus has forgiven us of so much. As we have confessed our sins, he has removed our shame and set us free from the captivity of sin. He has forgiven us for such grievous sins— so we must forgive those who have sinned against us. But forgiveness is not merely an emotional response but a conscious choice. I wonder if our president understands that? It is not declaring that those who have sinned against us are now good people or trusted people but it is the act and decision of letting go of the bitterness, hatred and demand for vengeance against another person. It is deciding to value the person as one of God’s creations without validating their sin or their lifestyle. And it is releasing them into God’s hands who is just.

Just as we have been shown mercy, we must extend mercy. I wonder if the president has asked for forgiveness for his sins? Has he experienced receiving the mercy of God and having his shame washed away? I know that he believes that Jesus is Lord but has he experienced forgiveness?

Often I have heard people say that they don’t know how to serve a God that requires them to forgive such evil people as we encounter throughout our lives. Yet, we have ALL fallen short of the glory of our God. We have fallen so short and yet stand forgiven and redeemed as we have confessed our sins.

Vengeance belongs to the Lord and as we release (forgive) people of their sins against us (and against the Lord or others) then we place judgement back into God’s hands. Not forgiving our enemies merely binds us to them— because hating takes a lot of energy and robs us of peace. Forgiveness releases us from them and places them into the hands of God who will execute justice or mercy— depending upon their hearts.

Let’s pray for our president to have a true understanding and experience of forgiveness. Not only for him but for all those who think that forgiveness means to trust the people that have harmed us or that God is asking us to like them. God hates sin, he hates rebellion and he hates what those things cause men to do. But he loves the sinner in spite of their sin and is willing to forgive all who humbly come to him and confess their sins and ask him for forgiveness.

Extending mercy and forgiveness to another is to extend God’s love and hope to them. We can pray that they will come to their senses and give their hearts to the Lord— recognizing the sin and the harm that they’ve caused others.

Forgiving someone who has sinned against us can spiritually remove the obstacles that stands between that person and God’s offer of mercy and forgiveness. It doesn’t guarantee that they will come but it removes us as the weapon of judgment and vengeance that may block them from seeing the Lord.

I want both our president and all mankind to know more than religion. More than the knowledge that Jesus is Lord but then to experience the freedom of becoming a true Christian and disciple of Jesus. Forgiveness is a key component in our salvation.

“God, we pray for mercy and forgiveness to come to our president. We pray that he will come into a true and intimate relationship with you and that he will experience your true nature that forgives and transforms sinners. God, we plead your mercy over his life— and over our nation. May all come to know and understand that as we forgive, we are forgiven and that you are the only way to eternal life. God we ask for a miracle in President Trump’s life— the miraculous experience of repentance and redemption. May he not only confess you as Lord but receive you as his savior— and as the One who forgives his sins and the sins of those who have harmed him. Surround him with voices of your true disciples who will reveal truth to him and prepare his heart to receive that truth. In your name we pray. Amen.”