Resentment to Reconciliation

“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

A survey of Mel Gibson movies from Mad Max(1979) to the recent Edge of Darkness(2010) reveal a recurring theme of revenge. Of course, this is a classic emotive hook to our inclination for “payback’. But the gospel of Christ does not operate on this principle and our prayer life suffers when we harbor a desire for revenge, resentment or unforgiveness. These sinful attitudes are deadly to our lives and prayer life. If sin is a kind of disease that affects our souls, like sickness does to the body, then we need to view resentment as akin to a kind of deadly cancer. It is helpful to see sin as more than just breaking God’s law but as breaking His heart. Sin severs relationship and this is why it is deadly.

Forgiveness does not mean justifying or glossing over that which has offended you. Nor does it mean justifying one’s anger due to the offence as in the case of many of Gibson’s movies. Forgiveness means overlooking the sin and seeking to restore a bond of love. It is a spirit of peacemaking which values relationship. The next step from forgiveness is to seek reconciliation with the person who has offended you. Now, reconciliation may not be always possible but forgiveness is always an option and reconciliation always the goal.

Forgiveness is not a feeling, but a decision. We must decide to let go of the hurt and show this by extending loving mercy to the one who has hurt us. The Lord calls us to forgive affectionately, generously, and mercifully as the father modeled in restoring the prodigal son (Luke 15:20). Many people speak about forgiving but have a hard time reconciling. Maybe you know of a family who is split and one party will not communicate with the other? Is there someone you keep at arms length? Decide to take this person back to the place they were before the offence. Prayer that has wings is merciful. Christ was most wronged and showed us the most mercy. On the cross, with outstretched arms, Christ declared, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). Outstretched arms are the symbol of mercy to those who have acted as prodigals.