One of my most favourite stories about forgiveness is found in the Gospel of Luke.
Jesus tells a parable about a man who had two sons. The younger of the two demanded his inheritance from his father. He gave it to him, and the son left for a distant country where he spent his money on reckless living and soon it was all gone.
At that time the country experienced a severe famine and he needed food. Out of his great need, he took a job feeding pigs.
This was a low point in his life. He left his father healthy, wealthy and puffed up with pride. Now he was starving, poor and deeply humbled. He was alone and in need, and nobody seemed to care.
Jesus says it was at this moment that he ‘came to his senses’ and realized he could go home, because even his father’s hired servants were treated better than what he was currently experiencing. The son would go to his father and ask to be accepted as one of his servants. He realized that because he had hurt his father so deeply, he could no longer expect to be his son.
To his amazement, his father was waiting for him to return. When he saw his son in the distance, he ran to embrace him. He restored his dignity by reminding him he was still his son. He then had a party to celebrate his return.
The older brother was not happy with his brother’s return. He went to his father and told him how his actions had hurt him. He had worked hard for his father and was an obedient son. He could not understand how his father could celebrate his brother’s return.
The father responded, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found. ” (Luke 15:31-32)
The power of this parable can be found in the fact we can all relate to it in some way. We can see ourselves in the characters.
For the person who has experienced the forgiveness that had the power to transform a life, you can identify with the younger son. Perhaps you have been able to forgive someone who has hurt you deeply. You can connect with the father. It may be that you find it very difficult to forgive a person or do not want to forgive. You can relate to the older brother.
I would like to focus briefly on the older brother, because his response is the most challenging from a faith perspective.
It would appear he believed his father had committed an injustice by forgiving his youngest son. How could his father do this to him, the loyal and faithful son?
The truth is that forgiveness does not undermine justice. We see this most clearly in God, who is rich in mercy and justice. God always forgives when we seek mercy.
It is important to remember that when we forgive, we are not denying the harm this person has done or the need for restitution.
Fundamentally, when we do not forgive, we are only harming ourselves. We allow negative feelings like anger and hatred to disturb our peace. Our suffering has no effect on the one who has hurt us.
Forgiveness is not easy. It is a process that can take a long time; however, as followers of Jesus, it is not an option. “Forgive and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)
Appeared first at St. Catherines Standard, September 25, 2020: https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/life/faith/opinion/2020/09/25/faith-matters-forgiveness-can-be-difficult-but-ultimately-provides-healing.html