B
i
b
l
e
s
t
u
d
y
r
e
s
o
u
r
c
e
against the forces of evil—even the evil in our
own hearts. And in turn when we are forgiven by
someone else we are set free because they are
s
aying they will no longer be bound to the harm
w
e did them."
2
It was as if she had read my mind and given me a
new lens on forgiveness. Thinking about forgive-
ness as a radical act against the powers and princi-
palities in this world that are evil and binding was
liberating.
P
salm 51:10 says, "Create in me a clean heart, O
God." Maybe that's really the starting point for
those of us who struggle to forgive.
How might you allow space to look within your heart and extend and receive the forgiveness
you need?
The truth is, I think that's why I struggle with this topic, because there is some healing that needs to
still happen within myself on this topic.
What healing needs to happen within you to facilitate forgiveness?
Reflect for a moment on the statement "Forgiven people forgive." What do you feel you need
to be forgiven for? Who and what do you need to forgive?
There are no easy answers or simple strategies, but I invite you to practice with me today, keeping in
mind that forgiving is not being a doormat, but is an act of fidelity to the kingdom of God and a
stance against evil.
Irene Pak is associate pastor at Stone Church of Willow Glen in San José, California.
Notes
1. Why Christian? www.whychristian.net/about; accessed December 15, 2015.
2. Nadia Bolz-Weber, "Sermon on Forgiveness," blog post first published September 11, 2011, reprinted on Goodreads.com; www.goodreads.com/
author_blog_posts/1542722-sermon-on-forgiveness-on-9-11-2011.
34