Forgiving the Forsaking

Perhaps one of the toughest acts of Christianity is that of forgiving. When one has wronged us, we need to be willing to forgive them. Peter asked Jesus how often one should be willing to forgive, even up to seven times. Jesus answered him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22).” It may seem harder to forgive when we’ve already forgiven and an offense happens again. It may seem like others are forsaking us, and we do not know if we can be forgiving to them again.

Paul was willing to forgive others. Paul explained to Timothy that Alexander the coppersmith did him much harm, and resisted to the words of God. He said, “at my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them (2 Timothy 4:14-16).” He was willing to forgive those who forsook him as he stood for the truth!

Similarly, Stephen was stoned for preaching the gospel. Paul (formerly known as Saul of Tarsus) was holding the coats of those that stoned him. As Stephen was dying, he cried: “Lord, do not charge them with this sin (Acts 7:60).” Perhaps Paul learned from Stephen the power of forgiving in difficult times.

Where did Stephen learn this? From Jesus Christ! As Christ was dying on the cross, He cried: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do (Luke 23:34).” He was willing to be forgiving to the very ones who forsook Him!

We, too, should be willing to be forgiving of others when they forsake us. Others may forsake us, but God never will (Hebrews 13:5). After all, we must forgive others to be forgiven by God Himself (Matthew 6:14-15).