How to Forgive
Recently, a key Malaysian political leader made a public address to his party members that he can forgive some of the party leaders who betrayed him and the party, but he cannot forget their betrayals. It is a very common expression, even among the Christian community: “I can forgive but cannot forget!”
This scenario should remind us to be joyful and thankful for the total forgiveness of God recorded in Ephesians 1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace…”
One theologian uses a very vivid illustration to demonstrate the full forgiveness of God. He is convinced that God will use a waterproof plastic bag to collect all our confessed sins and dump them into the deepest part of the ocean with a sign on top which reads: “No Fishing!”
This is a picture of the wonderful assurance from God that He forgives and forgets. We can be fully comforted that God will never dig up our confessed sins; therefore, we should not dig it up ourselves and give room for Satan to accuse us.
When I invited Jesus Christ into my life, the Holy Spirit reminded me to forgive one of my brothers who hurt me severely. I encountered the struggle to forgive and forget. When I responded to the calling of God to enroll into Malaysia Bible Seminary, the Holy Spirit continued to work in my heart through the teaching of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Praise the Lord for His warning, promises, and example which help me learn to forgive and forget.