We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:16-17 NLT
You know what it’s like to be “kinda” forgiven, don’t you? We don’t have to live very long to figure out that “forgiveness” often lacks more than it gives, whether it’s us trying to forgive or someone attempting to forgive us.
Did your parents ever insist that you and a sibling “forgive each other and make up”? Maybe they even made you hug each other and say “I love you” before you could go on with your life. ☹ I had the most wonderful parents imaginable, but I would say that the few times they attempted this between my eighteen-month-older sister and I were epic fails. We did everything that was required, everything they could see, but our actions were far from forgiveness. When we were alone, the hostility still lived. Why? Because forgiveness cannot be forced.
Forgiveness is like sharing. It is a decision of the heart. Sometimes parents will make children “share.” If you have to make them, do it, let’s own the truth: It’s not sharing, it’s dividing. Likewise, anything resembling forgiveness that is not a willing decision coming from the heart is only “moving on.” That “forgiveness” will quickly dissipate and live in resentment, bitterness, and paybacks. Forgiveness that does not proceed from a willing heart will resurface again and again. “Remember when you …?” “How could you do that?”
Jesus came willingly to help humans. He needed to become human so He would never ask the question, “How could you?” He needed to fully understand our limitations and weaknesses in order to freely be both merciful to us and faithful before God in forgiving us. He experienced life just as we do, so His mercy is perfect. He experienced life as we do without ever giving in to sin, so He was the perfect once-and-for-all sacrifice. The mercy and forgiveness we are given is not reluctant; it’s willing and given with the deepest love. Our sins are so completely forgiven they will never be brought up to us again. We get perfect forgiveness from the One who paid for every debt willingly and loves us so much He fully embraces us. He destroys guilt, shame, and insecurity. You never need to wonder when the other shoe will drop. Your perfect Priest has perfectly forgiven you.
- If you are not living in confidence of your forgiveness, if you are troubled by shame and guilt, that is not from God. If you have repented and received Christ, you are forever forgiven. Confess your struggle to someone who is living with confidence. They will pray with you and help you break this hold. You are free!