LOVING AND FORGIVING
Some stories of forgiveness are so radical that they leave us speechless. Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers in Genesis 45 is one such story. His brothers expected wrath but instead received mercy. “Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves,” Joseph tells them (Gen. 45:5). He saw God’s greater plan at work.
This kind of love is fully revealed in Jesus. In Luke 6:27-36, Jesus calls us to an unnatural, countercultural love: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” His ultimate example is on the cross, where instead of condemning, he prays, “Father, forgive them.”
Phillip Yancey recounts a striking example of such mercy. In a South African courtroom, a woman confronted the officer who murdered her family. She did not demand revenge. Instead, she asked him to visit her twice a month so she could be a mother to him. She then embraced him in forgiveness. The courtroom spontaneously began singing Amazing Grace—but the officer fainted, overwhelmed by mercy.
This love is not natural. It isn’t easy. It isn’t fair. But it is exactly what Jesus commands.
Jesus’ teachings in Luke 6 are explicit:
Do good to those who hate you.
Bless those who curse you.
Pray for those who mistreat you.
Turn the other cheek.
Give freely, expecting nothing in return.
Be merciful, just as God is merciful.
How can we do this?
Rely on the Holy Spirit. Love is the greatest gift of the Spirit. Loving like Jesus is only possible through the Spirit’s power.
Remember how you have been forgiven. Loved and forgiven people learn to love and forgive.
Live the Golden Rule. “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31).
Start small. Are you at odds with a family member, friend, or co-worker? Begin there. You may not be ready to love your greatest enemy today, but can you practice mercy toward someone close to you?
Conclusion
If Joseph could love and forgive his brothers, don’t you think God wants you to love and forgive others? If an elderly woman could embrace the man who stole her family, what could God do through you?
What would happen in your life and community if you let the Spirit empower you to love like Jesus?