Forgive as Christ Forgave

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." Colossians 3:12-13 NKJV

In a story titled “Apologies continue as 13 Edmonton Marathon runners find out they won't go to Boston” posted over the weekend, it was reported that The fallout from the mismeasured Edmonton Marathon continues.

This week, more apologies were issued as organizers confirmed that 13 runners from the Aug. 16 race won’t be going to the Boston Marathon, after all.

The Edmonton race was thrown into controversy soon after the first full-marathon finishers crossed the line. Many runners complained that the times were off, and some recognized they had run more than the accepted marathon distance. At first, organizers said the race conformed to the regulation distance, but later took that back, and accepted that the detour-laden Edmonton course was 674 metres longer than it was supposed to be. That meant all of the full distance runners’ times didn’t conform to a regular marathon distance, which was a real problem considering that Edmonton is a recognized qualifying circuit for the big Boston race.

This week, Edmonton Marathon race director Tom Keogh put out a statement that was a mixed bag. The Boston Marathon organizers had agreed to recognize Edmonton runners’ times despite the fact that the Edmonton race was run at the wrong distance, meaning 92 runners hit Boston Marathon qualifying status. But what the Boston Marathon would not accept was adjusted race times, so 13 runners who might have qualified had the race been run properly won’t be going to New England next year unless they go as spectators.

And, you know, while the Edmonton Marathon organizers apologized repeatedly and vowed to do better, they ultimately have no control over whether their apologies will lead to forgiveness by the 13 runners who were negatively affected by their error.

But this is the deal when it comes to forgiveness, believers "as the elect of God, holy and beloved" are to "put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering." We then are not only to bear with one another, but are to forgive one another, regardless of whether a person apologizes and vows to do better. 
Why? Because, in light of Jesus' work on the Cross, you and I have no right to withhold forgiveness from anyone else—especially from those in the family of God. 

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

"Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots." Luke 23:34

You see, the Bible is very clear that each and every one of us was undeserving of forgiveness, "in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This is the way the Father demonstrated His great love for us. 

This great and immeasurable love is something Jesus further demonstrated when, while hanging on the Cross for the transgressions of you, me, and all those who played a part in crucifying Him said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." 

And if this has you saying, “Melissa, you don’t understand what this person has done to me, how can I possibly forgive them?” Consider that Jesus forgave those who mocked Him, those who spat upon Him, those who betrayed Him, those who beat Him, and those who drove nails through His hands and His feet.

Now this doesn’t mean that you are to allow the person to hurt you again. But it does mean that you, in obedience to Christ, are to make the decision to not hold something against another person, despite what he or she has done to you, thereby demonstrating the love, mercy, and grace that Jesus demonstrated to you. This may never change the other person, but you can be sure that it will keep your heart from becoming bitter.

So, choose to forgive others as Christ forgave you my friend. It's not always easy, hence the reason we can't do it in our own strength and must do it in His. But it is, ultimately, for our good and for His glory. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the command to forgive others just as You have forgiven us that we might not become bitter and hateful. Help us to truly understand the cost of that forgiveness that we might not hesitate to give it to others. Lord, remind us that harboring unforgiveness rarely hurts the person who harmed us but always hurts the one holding onto it. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!