“We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:14). The word forgiveness in its primary sense means to send away or to abandon. Forgiveness is agreeing to pay the damages done by another, and then never bringing up the account again—sending them away, much like the scapegoat, the azazel. As far as God is concerned, our sins are out of sight (Micah 7:19), out of reach (Ps 103:12), and out of mind (Heb 10:17). This is the forgiveness we should practice with others. As the Lord said, “When you stand praying, forgive, if you have ought against any; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses” (Mk 11:25). Forgiveness looses the shackles that binds the offender to the offended. On one occasion Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, favorably commented on someone. Her aide said, “Don’t you remember what that person did to you?” Clara replied: “I not only forget; I distinctly remember forgetting.” — J.B.N.
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 28-30 Memorize: John 17:3