Imitating God
A new year has begun and with it comes so much excitement and anticipation of what 2023 will bring. For many, the new year is when we set goals or resolutions for what we want to accomplish. When I was younger, the number of resolutions I set would equal the number of years that had passed since the year 2000. For instance, in 2012, I set 12 resolutions ranging from reading the Bible in a year to running a half marathon.
A worthy resolution we should all be striving for is to "be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2, ESV). Dear sisters, much of imitating God and walking in love has to do with forgiveness. The verse leading up to the beginning of chapter 5 says: "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32, ESV).
What is so special about forgiveness? All over the New Testament, we see calls to forgive others because we have been forgiven (see Colossians 3:13, Mark 11:25, Matthew 6:14). Forgiveness (charizomai in the original Greek) means to give grace freely, to show favor, or to pardon. When we forgive, we are showing others the grace that God gave us. Forgiveness mirrors God's behavior uniquely because forgiveness. more than any other loving act, is an act of self sacrificial love. Forgiveness necessitates that we let go of our desires and release our pride, choosing to let go of wrongdoings even when the other person does not deserve it.
Some offenses are great and relationships beyond repair. This makes forgiveness seem impossible, and painful. However, if we are going to imitate God we must learn to forgive even when it is painful, remembering how much we have been forgiven from.
Heavenly Father, I praise and thank You for the forgiveness given me. I thank You for removing my transgressions. Lord, as I strive to imitate You, please give me the strength to forgive and extend grace to others. In Your matchless name, Amen.
