As a parent of young children, I spend a fair amount of time instructing my kids on forgiveness. It’s not always a natural response for them to stop and apologize when they have done something wrong or made a “red choice.” It’s my job to come alongside and guide them into an understanding of why what they did was wrong, how it may have hurt someone and what it looks like to apologize. As they grow, it is my hope that they will better recognize these moments on their own, and by God’s grace seek forgiveness without hesitation and without the need of an intercessor.
As an adult though, I know from experience that this process does not get easier as we age. For all our perceived wisdom and insight from lived experience, we are still so capable of hurting others and are not always quick to say sorry. Whether we recognize the hurt we have caused in that moment or years down the road, when the Holy Spirit reminds us of a moment or stirs our hearts towards an individual we have wronged, the Bible encourages us to seek forgiveness and reconciliation whenever possible. This may not be easy, and its certainly not always possible, but Yahweh Hesed, the God of mercy and lovingkindness, has forgiven all our sins. Psalm 103:12 tells us, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." If God in all his divine glory is willing to forgive us, then we ought to do our best to seek reconciliation from others as well as forgive those who have wronged us. If you find yourself in this place, ask God for wisdom and the supernatural power of His Holy Spirit to work in and through you, for your good and for His glory.
-Lauren