Counsel #12 — Forgiveness As A Redemptive Work

Picture: Counsel #12 — Forgiveness as a Redemptive WorkCR 168.1

As Christians, we believe Jesus' sacrifice on the cross wasn’t for Himself, it was for the whole world. It was the ultimate act of forgiveness, offering redemption and a chance to start fresh. When we forgive others, we're aligning ourselves with that message. We're choosing to extend the same kind of radical compassion Jesus showed, even when it's difficult.  CR 168.2

There's a lot of pain and brokenness in our world right now. By choosing forgiveness, we become a part of something bigger. We're not just letting go of anger and resentment for our own sake, we're actively participating in God's work of redeeming the world. We're offering hope for reconciliation and a chance to heal the hurts that divide us. It's a powerful way to live out our faith and make a real difference in the lives of others.^{[165]Proverbs 31}.org/read/devotions/full-post/2020/03/06/when-forgiveness-still-hurts">https://Proverbs 31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2020/03/06/when-forgiveness-still-hurtsCR 168.3

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.  Matthew 6:15 NKJVCR 168.4

“Let Christ, the divine Life dwell in you and through you reveal the heaven-born love that will inspire hope in the hopeless and bring heaven's peace to the sin-stricken heart. As we come to God, this is the condition which meets us at the threshold, that, receiving mercy from Him, we yield ourselves to reveal His grace to others.” Ellen White in The Faith I Live By, p. 131CR 168.5

Reflect: How does forgiveness as a redemptive work differ from simply forgetting or ignoring a wrong?CR 168.6