Lesson: International Forgiveness Day
International Forgiveness Day is recognized annually on July 7 for pardoning someone who hurt you. Actually, we should be forgiving people as often as they offend us. Forgiveness is an act of kindness whereby we let go of resentment and move on with life; forgiveness is a gift, and as such, requires nothing in return. While forgiveness does not absolve anyone from guilt or consequences, it allows us to leave judgment and punishment to God and/or the legal system. It is not our place to judge as we ourselves are guilty (see MAT 7:1–2; MAT 6:14–15; COL 3:12–13). Hence, forgiveness is a process that heals, especially the forgiver. Almost all world religions practice forgiveness as an act of faith and contrition, so the international sentiment of a global day for forgiveness is appealing as it can advance peace and harmony across cultures.
Today we set aside our differences and establish a new beginning. Dump the emotional baggage to include hatred, anger, bitterness, and grudges. Did you know that scientific evidence confirms that people who forgive are happier, more well-adjusted, and heathier mentally and physically? Conversely, people that hang onto the negativity are less healthy and happy. This is because they get stuck on the memory of the event or person, making it difficult to think positive or move forward, because the intrusive thought keeps interfering with their progress. If you let go of the resentment it will lighten the load enabling you to progress more rapidly. Forgiveness enables you to dispose of the emotional baggage and lighten the load; so, regardless of whether the person cares that you have forgiven them or not, you will feel better.

MIC 7:18 ~ Who is like you, God, who pardons sin and ignores the evil done by your people? God does not stay angry forever, but finds pleasure in giving mercy.
MAT 6:14–15; MAR 11:25–26 ~ Jesus said, “If you forgive others, your heavenly Father will forgive you. If you do not forgive others, your heavenly Father will not forgive you.”
MAT 18:18, 21–22 ~ Jesus said, “Whatever you tie on earth will be tied in heaven, and whatever you untie on earth will be untied in heaven.” Then Peter asked Jesus, “How many times should I forgive someone who has done wrong to me? Seven times?” Jesus answered, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
ACT 13:38 ~ Through Jesus Christ all people can receive the forgiveness of sins.
JAM 5:9 ~ Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so you will not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.

Resentment is a process that begins with an event, perceived as an offense but oftentimes, was not deliberate. But when the hurtful thoughts enter the mind, it manages to seep into the heart; this destroys peace of mind and hardens the heart. Understand that the precipitating event and the people involved are not what is causing the resentment; it is the individual’s belief about the event. That belief is usually based on incomplete information and truly could be wrong. People get wrapped up in their own issues and are seldom acting out because of others; they are acting out because of what is going on inside of them. Maybe they are just having a bad day and you happened to be a convenient target for their emotions. But once it becomes personal for someone, they get stuck; they are unable to forget about it. Instead, they seethe, and anger swells, which could lead to greater evils like hatred or the desire for revenge. But you never get even by lashing out in these circumstances; all you do is tip the scales in your direction. The only way you’ll ever get even is to let go, which evens the score (Barber, 2016). Let go of the past and enjoy the present.

LEV 19:18 ~ You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself, for I am the Lord.
JOB 9:20 ~ If I justify myself, my own mouth will have condemned me. If I say I am perfect, then I have proven myself to be perverse.
PRO 14:17 ~ A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.
PRO 15:1, 18 ~ A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger… A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
PRO 26:24–28 ~ The hater disguises himself with his lips but harbors deceit in his heart; if he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart. Though his hatred may be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed to the assembly.
ECC 7:9 ~ Do not hasten in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.
MAT 6:14–15 ~ Jesus said, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
EPH 4:26–27 ~ When angry, do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger. Give no opportunity to the devil.

Forgiveness also is a process; it’s not like you snap your fingers and the resentment is gone. The first step is to challenge your belief that someone offended you on purpose or that the event was otherwise personal. Chances are, it was none of those things. But even if someone did purposefully offend you, it’s not going to kill you; and offending them back will only turn you into them: offensive. Everyone is guilty of sin, and therefore, guilty of offending others. It is not our place to judge their heart, but to examine our own heart. After some analysis you may realize it was not that big a deal, certainly not a reason to let it ruin your whole day, or worse. An assessment enables you to entertain other reasons for their behavior: stuff happens, it wasn’t on purpose, or it wasn’t a catastrophe. This results in a change of mind; instead of going down the path of resentment you reverse course and head down the path of forgiveness. You have a choice as to how big or small you choose to make it. Eventually, you reach acceptance after which you can let go and get going. Time will tell if reconciliation is possible, if you even know the person to whom your resentment was directed. Get into the habit of challenging beliefs and you might find them to be untenable. Incidentally, it is okay and necessary to forgive yourself.

PSA 130:3–4 ~ If you, Oh Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
LUK 6:37 ~ Jesus said, “If you do not judge others, you will not be judged. If you do not condemn others, you will not be condemned.”
LUK 17:3–4 ~ Jesus said, “If someone sins against you, reprimand them. If they repent, forgive them. If they sin against you seven times in one day, and repent each time, then forgive them seven times.”
EPH 4:32 ~ Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, and forgiving, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.

Gracious and forgiving Father, teach us to forgive others and let go of all resentment. On this day and every day, let us end the day with forgiveness so we can wake up refreshed. And whenever we feel offended, help us to remember that people were offended by Jesus also; and we have Jesus in our hearts so we can expect people to be offended at us for speaking the truth and professing our faith. Remind us that we are yours as we deflect offenses and forgive, even as Jesus forgave those who nailed Him to the cross. In His precious name we pray, Amen.
By Andrew V. Barber (posted 07/01/2024)

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May 2023
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A new lesson is posted each quarter.

Previous lessons are provided below.

December 2023
National Christmas Lights Day

June 2021
The Grand Delusion

November 2022
Election Day

February 2021
The Second Death