Walking by Faith - Forgiveness

A few years ago, police officer Amber Guyger shot a man to death after mistakenly entering his apartment, thinking it was her own. She received a 10-year prison sentence. However, during the discussion in court, a man named Brandt Jean, the victim's brother, embraced Officer Guyger with a hug uttering three profound words: "I forgive you." Incredible. The story doesn't end there, though.

And neither does yours.

We've all screwed up. God's word tells us plainly in Romans 3:23. Lying, stealing, disrespecting authorities, you name it.

That's where God comes in.

He knows we are all sinners, born with a sinful human nature, and unable to save ourselves. That is why He died for us!

When we come to Him asking for forgiveness, not only does He cleanse us from our sin(s), but He, too, says, "I forgive you."

• "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9 NASB)

Okay. But what about forgiveness to others? What about the liars? What about the manipulators? Yes, forgive even them.

• "Bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive." (Colossians 3:13 CSB)

• "Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven but up to seventy times seven." " (Matthew 18:21-22 NASB)

• "Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful." (Luke 6:36 NKJV)

When forgiving others, remember that everyone was a selfish human lost in sin when Christ chose to forgive and die for us.

• "But God has shown us how much he loves us--it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us!" (Romans 5:8 GNT)

This is a very humbling realization.

God is good.

Back to the story of Officer Guyger. During the trial, the judge had left to retrieve her Bible. Upon returning, a large majority of the courtroom was in tears as the judge handed the officer the Bible. Both the judge and Brandt Jean showed the world a wonderful example of Jesus' love and forgiveness.

What if we did the same?

What if we chose to forgive those who have wronged us?

Jesus did.