What does it mean to forgive someone? Let's say I let you borrow my car, and it comes back with french fries spilled everywhere, two unpaid parking tickets shoved into the glovebox, and three new dents. I would be somewhat unhappy with this development. Would I lend you my car again? Absolutely not. Would I expect you to provide financial compensation for the damages incurred? Absolutely. Could I approach you without a desire for vengeance in my heart, with grace in our conversation and a willingness not to allow my anger to define our relationship? I would hope so. This is the important part. Forgiveness doesn't mean there cannot be repercussions for actions. Forgiveness means that we do not keep score, that grace defines the relationship, that we seek what is best for the other, rather than allowing our desire for punishment to be the most important thing.
Jesus was open and honest about the reality that we will fail. We will sin, and others will sin, and we'll be frustrated and upset. That can pass. What matters is that we're striving to help one another grow and that we're practicing extending the same grace we receive from Christ to one another.
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