There are blood relatives which make up your family, and church families. Close friends are often considered family, and as a nation, we are a family. Families can be full of belly laughs, good times, smiles, and unforgettable memories. There is survival mode through tragedies, and celebrations of great accomplishments. But families also come with a blend of personalities, so there is frustration, the occasional harsh word, and arguments which get out of hand. The key to a close family is always remembering what is important. Unconditional love and forgiveness.
When difficulties arise, we need to step back, pray, and consider what Jesus would do. He would always forgive. Grace was the key element to His ministry, and forgiveness should always be a part of our Christian walk, no matter the circumstances.
In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, his wife, Erika, publicly announced that she forgave the assassin. I’m sure those words were difficult to utter as she mourned the loss of her husband, but she forgave because that is what Jesus called her to do.
The words in the Lord’s prayer, “And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” (Matthew 6:12) are powerful words. They are a command from God. When we forgive others, God is forgiving us and setting us free. Forgiveness is powerful, while unforgiveness will eat at your soul.
When the person that hurts you is someone you are close to, like a family member, it seems more difficult to forgive. The pain cuts to the heart, causing your emotions to rage. The loss Erika feels from a complete stranger is deep pain, yet she forgives. The Kirk family suffered a great loss, as did this nation, but from that loss will come great triumph through her words of forgiveness, and the power of Christ.
We all need to take a moment, look into our own lives and reflect on forgiveness. Who do you need to reach out to today? With the grace of Jesus say, “I forgive you,” to someone you love. It will cleanse your soul, and mend your relationship.
As Paul urged the people of Corinth to forgive the sinner, we also need to spread a little love and forgive others. And as forgiveness echoes throughout families, it will be the stepping stone for healing this nation as well.
Now, regarding the one who started all this—the person in question who caused all this pain—I want you to know that I am not the one injured in this as much as, with a few exceptions, all of you. So I don’t want to come down too hard. What the majority of you agreed to as punishment is punishment enough. Now is the time to forgive this man and help him back on his feet. If all you do is pour on the guilt, you could very well drown him in it. My counsel now is to pour on the love. (2 Corinthians 2:5-8 MSG)