On forgiveness
Part 9: The nature of God is forgiveness
Why should God be so keen on forgiveness? He has no need of it for himself. Therefore, it is something that he does because he knows we need it. In this respect, it is exactly in tune with – an intrinsic part of – his grace. The very essence of God is his self-giving love. The Greek word is “agape”. Love not given because we deserve it, or because it has been evoked by the lovability of the person we give it to. It is love given selflessly, altruistically, out of the love of giving gifts to others. God loves in this way because it is his nature, and we might say that he can do no other. But God is never constrained; his power is such that he always has free choice. Except, of course, that God has to be true to himself. So, God forgives us because he has a desire to see us whole and because it gives him joy when that happens.
I cannot but think of the link to the essence of humankind, so powerfully expressed in Genesis chapter 3, where the most fundamental fact about us is expressed: that we are capable of doing both good and evil. This is our nature – and it cannot be otherwise, but the desire of God in creation must be that we should do good. We are made to live in communion with God. And – amazing beyond all amazement – we are able to do good, and wonderful it is to behold. But when we do evil – when we sin – that is contradictory to being in communion with God. So, God’s purpose in forgiveness is to restore to us his intention in creation that we should live freely and joyfully in relationship with him. Forgiveness then is an inescapable part of God’s purposes in creation. The essence of it is the restoration of our relationship with him – and with any others whom we have sinned against. When we receive forgiveness we are endowed with the very essence of Godliness, and when we give forgiveness to others we embrace Godliness itself and become at one with him.
Spiritual Devotion 