Through loyal love and truth iniquity is appeased; through fearing the LORD one avoids evil.
(Proverbs 16:6)
The Proverbs make the moral leap from the prohibition of retaliation, i.e. not getting even to a spirit of love which actually turns the tables and repays good for evil. One who forgives in this fashion looks with assurance to the Lord for a reward.
This high ideal, the duty of forgiveness, is based on the need, which we have of God’s forgiveness. Solomon also speaks of atonement, i.e. pardon and acceptance by God. The person who attempts to hide his sins will not succeed but one who confesses and turns away from his wrongdoing will obtain mercy from God. The Lord God is a loving Father full of mercy, ever willing to forgive. First, however, there has to be confession and repentance—sorrow for wrong-being and wrong-doing. There is truly no way that man can “cover” his sins from God. Secondly, turning away from sins results in a lifestyle of mercy and truth. Selfishness and falseness can be forgiven and pardoned. By God, selfishness gives place to mercy and falsehood to truth.
Do you find it hard to let go of the past? Do you identify with the bumper sticker: “Don’t get mad, get even”? Do you find it easier to forgive an enemy than a friend? Is one of your important relationships paralyzed by a lack of forgiveness? Have you ever asked God for forgiveness? Do you consider God as a loving Father? Do you desire to see God someday or do you fear His judgment?