The Lodestar

The forgiveness of sins is one of the main pillars of belief in Christianity. Especially with the celebration of Easter in recent times, we are reminded of the great sacrifice that enabled us to be washed clean of our sins so that we may start afresh.

What is forgiveness?

Most people who have grown up in a Christian family, attending church or reading the bible regularly, are familiar with the word forgiveness and hear, “We must forgive people just as Christ has forgiven us.” But what does forgiveness even look like? Many understand it as keeping no record of wrongs or pardoning some wrong-doing. Some psychologists understand it as “a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they deserve your forgiveness”. We often refuse to forgive others simply because we don’t believe they deserve it, and it’s probably true. However, most of us do not deserve it either. It all goes back to forgiving others because we were granted the privilege of it ourselves.

Why must we forgive?

Unforgiveness causes us more harm than it does to the offender. We may linger on the thought and pain for years, but the other party will most likely forget about it as soon as it’s over. Long-term unforgiveness can cause stress and anxiety, Issues of trust with people who may not deserve it, and, according to some studies, it can even cause physical ailments such as higher blood pressure.

We are asked to forgive because we have been forgiven and because it hinders our own forgiveness. According to Mark 11:25, we are asked to forgive and release anyone we have anything against in our hearts so that our heavenly Father may grant us the same.

Now, does forgiveness mean that the person did nothing wrong? Certainly not. Our forgiveness does not invalidate the hurt that has been caused to us. However, choosing to forgive helps us lead a healthier and much more fulfilling life. Forgiveness may not always follow with reconciliation in some cases. Still, it is about recognising where you have been hurt, acknowledging it and letting go of the pain, hurt and anger. It is about coming to a stage where we can say that the person owes us nothing, not because they are particularly deserving of it but because the same has been granted to us.

(Shruthi Susan is an active member of her church and is passionate about the various complex issues Christian youth face in their individual journeys of faith and growth.)