The greatest example of forgiveness is demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ, when hanging on a shameful cross, dying in an unfortunate capital punishment of the Roman regime at that time – crucifixion.

He shouted, “Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” Forgiveness in Greek is the word charizomai, which is derived from charis meaning grace or gift, to favour and show unconditional kindness.

It is an act in which one person releases another from an offence, prison and punishment of that wrongdoing and refusing to sustain the consideration of its cause.

Forgiveness can also be defined as an act that releases one from a sense of unresolved guilt, restoring a clear conscience and restoring relationship with the offender. It doesn’t mean condoning the sin.

When I forgive I do not mean that I was not offended or that I didn’t feel pain, or that the offender didn’t offend.

All forgiveness means and says is that, though I am offended because evil has been done to me, I choose to forget, to overlook what happened, in the interest of peaceful relationships and the freedom of our souls and spirits.

No matter what harm you caused to my image, person and reputation, as a believer walking in the likeness of Christ and seeking to be Godlike, I shall endeavour to forgive and release you.

In Luke 17:1 Jesus, teaching His disciples, says that it shall be impossible that there will be no offences at all. It is only a person who lives in heaven who shall not be wounded, offended and inflicted by gossip and other things.

Jesus adds that if anyone offends and wounds children, it would be better if a millstone were tied around his neck and he be left to drown. This is a profound insight into the gravity and seriousness of the sin.

The man of love cannot offend, it is not within the premise of love to offend, and hence offending a person is the most desperate display of bankruptcy.

Instead of hurting I have the option of helping you, rather than killing you. I prefer to heal you, meaning there is no justifiable reason to hurt another person, no matter what.

However, when I am broke of love I will give you hate – when there is no appreciation in me I will criticise.

Therefore forgiveness is giving to the one who can’t give because he is bankrupt. In forgiveness we give for the poor offender.

To be continued…