While forgiveness is essential it is one of the hardest things a person must do. Why is that? In order to better understand, let’s consider the old-fashioned scales used to balance goods.
Remember the one with two trays. It was used to balance fair trade and accurate measurement. What does that have to do with forgiveness? I’m glad you asked.
Scripture is clear on the teaching of forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 tells you to forgive as God has forgiven you. Consequently, perspective changes when you apply that principle truth.
Estrangement hurts. You focus on your pain, false accusations, misunderstandings, guilt and shame. All you can see is what was done to you. Anger, disappointment and bitterness take root in your heart. Sound familiar? It’s what I felt during estranged relationships with my son and daughter.
How Do You Balance the Scales?
Balancing the scales will require some work on your part but I promise it’s worth the effort and the result will bring the lasting peace you seek. Forgiveness is the result if you complete this exercise coupled with prayer and an open heart.
Vision those old-fashioned scales sitting before you. One one tray you will list all the grievances and issues you have against your estranged son, daughter or loved one. Don’t leave anything out. Write them down on one side of a ledger that represents one tray of the scale.
However, when finished, read through and be certain all the issues you have against this person are written down. You’re the prosecuting attorney before a judge and you want to be sure you have accurately and thoroughly made your case.
Forgiveness on the Opposite Scale
Looking at that scale with all your accusations against your loved one who rejected you, what do you see? That scale is not balanced. One tray is weighed down and touching the table upon which it sits.
Remember the scripture on forgiveness. Forgive others as God has forgiven you. You’ll now list on the opposite side of the ledger, all those things for which God has forgiven you. Fair warning, when I did this exercise, there wasn’t enough room on the ledger to list them all.
Be painfully honest here. Moreover, list everything you can recall in your life that you’ve done. Big sins and little – they all count.
As you write those down, picture these things being placed on the opposite scale as you see the heavy tray rise as your sins are added.
Jesus is the one who balances the scales. It was His life given for you and me that washed away our sins – past, future and present. When we view our own sins and the forgiveness He has offered, how can we not forgive?
Listen to the most recent podcast on balancing the scales and consider forgiveness as the single most important thing you can do to bring freedom and peace to your soul.