Forgiveness Takes Strength of Character

Mike Hosey, Elder

Mahatma Gandhi, who was not a Christian, had a good grip on the Christian concept of forgiveness. Describing the character of one who forgives, he once noted that, “The weak can never forgive.  Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.”  Even though he didn’t know Jesus, Gandhi recognized the Christian truth that forgiveness is a decision that takes strength of character.  Those of us who are Christian know that such strength of character comes from knowing Jesus, and the spiritual power He gives. The person who does not know Jesus must draw from his own will power a resistance to hatred, anger, pride, and bitterness.   The person who knows Jesus draws from an infinite well of spiritual and character strengthening power (Philippians 4:13)

This strengthening power comes to us directly through the Holy Spirit, and indirectly through our knowledge of the word.  The more Holy Spirit we allow in our lives, and the more we know God’s word, the more strength we will have.

So how do we have the strength to forgive? Well, here are some tips:

Recognize that WE were in need of forgiveness: Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:1-7 that God forgave us even though we were objects of anger and wrath. 

Recognize that WE did not deserve that forgiveness: In that passage above, God gave us forgiveness even though we didn’t deserve it.  That’s what the word “grace” in that verse means.  It means “unmerited favor.”

Recognize that WE are COMMANDED to forgive like Christ forgave:  Paul tells us to forgive like Christ did in Ephesians 4:32. And the same truth is taught in Colossians 3:13.

Get rid of anger, malice and bitterness: Paul precedes his command to forgive with a command to get rid of those things (Ephesians 4:31). Paul knew that getting rid of those things would make forgiving easier, because we’d be working from a place of spiritual fruit.  Compare and contrast Galatians 5:19-21, and Galatians 5:23-25.