Forgive And Forget

"And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him." Luke 17:4 (KJV).

But in the Amplified version of the Bible we have an even clearer understanding or this passage:

"And even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and turns to you seven times and says, I repent [I am sorry], you must forgive him (give up resentment and consider the offense as recalled and annulled)." Luke 17:4 (Amplified).

In the expanded version we see the admonishment we see that we also need to forget the offense, because it is "recalled and annulled". So it is very true that we need to do both. Even resentment that something, or someone, has offended (cause to feel resentment or indignation , hurt the feelings of) us. 

This annulled or recall is a key part of forgiveness (declare invalid ), and makes the offense as if it never happened. But I have heard from people that they forgive, but they will never forget. 

In doing such the offense is still alive and can continue to build up resentments, hatred, and any number of things that the original offense could have done as well.

Didn't Christ declare:

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." Luke 23:34 (KJV).

We are to be like Christ, and walk as He did. He forgave those who were killing Him on the cross, and we hold grudges for much less trivial things all the time.

But understand what that means in your life, when you forgive AND forget. YOU are not bound in the offense, your life is freed from the consequence of sin in your life, and it is you who has freed the offender from the offense, and the damage it may do in their lives, when they come to you in forgiveness.

But even if the person never asks for forgiveness, what do you do then? You still forgive so that YOU may be free from the snare the offense lays for you. in forgiving others then you will be free. 

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." Acts 26:18 (KJV). 

God gives forgiveness for offenses, and this WE should also do as Disciples of Christ. It does indeed take stepping out of the flesh to forgive, and is the first requirement in following Christ, to deny ourselves. 

To deny the grudges, to deny the anger, to deny the anger, to deny the hatred, and to deny the power of Satan as he tries to get us caught in the snare of perdition. 

No we can see how forgiveness first has the power to take the offense, and it's consequent interaction, out of our lives. And secures us a life free from the shackles of unrepentant resentment, and the power it has to destroy our lives, when we do not forgive.

Jesus Christ forgave the world, it was part of His gift He gave on the cross. Can we do no less?