Readings for today: Matthew 12:22-50, Mark 3:22-35, Luke 8:19-21, 11:14-54
Forgiveness is one of the core ethical practices of the Christian faith. We forgive others their sins because God first forgave us our sin. We extend grace to others because God first extended grace to us while we were still dead in our sin. We show unconditional love to others because God first loved us and laid down His life for us. We ask God how many times we have to forgive as if there is a limit to His grace. He responds by telling us to forgive “seven times seventy” which doesn’t equal 490! It simply means we forgive and forgive and forgive as many times as is necessary. But then Jesus talks about the “unforgivable sin” and we are confronted with an apparent contradiction. What do we do then?
“There’s nothing done or said that can’t be forgiven. But if you deliberately persist in your slanders against God’s Spirit, you are repudiating the very One who forgives. If you reject the Son of Man out of some misunderstanding, the Holy Spirit can forgive you, but when you reject the Holy Spirit, you’re sawing off the branch on which you’re sitting, severing by your own perversity all connection with the One who forgives.” (Matthew 12:31-32 MSG)
The only unforgivable sin is to reject the One who offers us forgiveness in the first place. God will not forgive those who reject His grace. God will not forgive those who reject His great love. God will not forgive those who refuse to accept His Son Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It’s not that God doesn’t desire to forgive them. It’s not that He’s hurt or angry or gets defensive. He simply honors the choice we have made. He refuses to override our free will. He will not force us to accept His forgiveness. This is what makes unbelief unforgivable.
This week, my community was rocked by a suicide. Some suggest suicide is unforgivable. Not true. This week, our world was rocked by the terrorist attacks in Israel. Some suggest the murders Hamas has committed are unforgivable. Not true. There may be many other sins one could think of that place us seemingly beyond the reach of God’s grace. Not true. There are no atrocities committed by human beings that God cannot and will not forgive if we will but repent and turn to Him. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences for our actions. Those who die by suicide will not rise until Jesus comes again. Those who commit horrific crimes against humanity will have to face justice either in this life or the next. Sin has a destructive effect on every human life it touches. Thankfully, God is faithful. If we bring our brokenness before Him, He is able and willing to forgive us and cleanse us and make us new.
Readings for tomorrow: None