Forgive One Another 3

Zechariah 7:8-10

One of the key concepts of most Christian churches, one of the important elements in believing in Jesus Christ, is the concept of forgiveness. Paul has stated that we all fall short of the mark. We all have sinned in some way or another. And because of that sinful nature inherent in being mortal we are all in need of the forgiveness that comes through the sacrifice of Jesus.

But this concept of forgiveness is not new. It is not an idea that only Christians should embrace. The idea of forgiving can also be found in the Old Testament, Scripture written for guidance long before Jesus was born.

God has spoken through the prophet Zechariah who, according to commentary, lived about 500 years before the birth of Christ. Who is giving the commands? What are we to show to one another? What are we not supposed to do?

The mercy of God did not begin with the birth of Jesus. The coming of Christ was a mighty demonstration of God’s grace, a way to make it easier to comprehend what God wants. But God’s love and His desire for mercy and forgiveness go all the way back to the beginning, even to Adam and Eve (see Genesis 3:21).

God has spoken to His prophet Zechariah, using this mortal to express the words of the Almighty. And what does God want? God wants us to administer true justice.

And what is true justice? We can see justice as setting things right, correcting what is wrong, restoring what is broken. But the call to true justice is followed immediately by the command to show mercy and compassion.

We can assume, then, that true justice not only corrects what is wrong, but displays a kindness and compassion. The punishment one might expect is suddenly withdrawn or withheld. No evil or vengeful thoughts are brought in, no oppression.

This is how God deals with us. We are forgiven. The wrong is removed, but there is no punishment or retribution. And so we have a guide for dealing with one another. We can correct what is wrong, but that should be accompanied by forgiveness. We can stop the offense, explain our hurt, but then we forgive and stop thinking evil of one another or desiring any type of oppressive punishment.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Have you been hurt or offended by a Christian brother or sister? How can you repair the situation, remove the hurt or offense, without seeking punishment?