One other thing Lent reminds us of, in addition to repentance, is forgiveness. It is what we receive when we return to God. 

As discussed in the previous reflection, forgiveness was made possible through Jesus Christ. 

Read John 1: 29-34. 

The primary theme you come across in this story is that “Jesus Christ is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” 

And that is what we will talk about as part of the final reflection, “On Atonement.” Why then do we need forgiveness? 

 

Read Isaiah 59: 1-2,

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. ESV. 

The above scripture speaks to the consequences that come with sin. Of course, you don’t see the word “sin” in the text. The word you see, however, is “iniquities.” 

In the Bible, iniquities are sins that people have made apart of their lifestyle. To them, these wicked acts are no longer evil and so wrong in their eyes. 

What happens, as a result, is what Isaiah is describing in the above text:

• • • Our sins alienate us from God. They build barriers between God and us. 
    • The Lord’s hand is shortened. 
    • We can’t hear God. 
    • We can’t see God’s face. (Isaiah 59: 1,2). 

 

Forgiveness breaks barriers that separate us from God.

 

When we, therefore, seek forgiveness is first to break down those barriers we have built between God and us, as a result of our sins. 

We need forgiveness because we want to restore our relationships with the Lord, our Savior. Restoring our relationship with God means that God has drawn us so much closer to God. 

And, when we are in this intimate relationship with God, we can then experience God’s mighty hand at work. 

When the barriers are all broken down, we see God’s face and experience God’s presence. We have access, as a result, to the throne of grace. 

The throne of grace allows us to receive help, protection, and provision in times of need. 

 

Forgiveness from God empowers us to forgive others. 

 

God forgives us so that we forgive others. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of this: “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6: 38). 

Yeah, those are Jesus’ words. It applies to forgiveness too. In other words, you forgive because God has forgiven. 

I know forgiving others is easier said than done. Also, remember, our sinful nature has set us up to a life of wickedness (iniquity), which alienates us from God and each other. 

But we can learn how to practice forgiveness. The starting point would be to use this formula: [Judge not + Condemn not]. 

It’s a choice that requires practice, and we have to do it daily. 

 

Bringing it together

Start first by seeking God’s forgiveness, which will grant you the power to forgive others. Forgiveness breaks barriers between God and you. It also frees you up to grow in all areas of your life.