Forgiveness is a multifaceted issue.
“Forgive and forget” has long been philosophized as the best way to rid a complexing issue one against another.
That opinion seems to have considerable merit, but according to author Bill Ricksecker, forgiveness is much more complex.
Ricksecker delves into that complexity in his latest book: “Illustrating Forgiveness,” as he pursues “understanding Biblical forgiveness and reconciliation.”
The book is dedicated “To all the hurt and brokenhearted who desire restoration. To those who seek to restore relationships. To the Christian who desires to live faithfully in love for the Lord Jesus Christ and bring Him honor.”
Passages from the Bible support importance of forgiveness in the personal heart, of one another, and from God. Ricksecker shares his in-depth study of how and why people should “relearn” what forgiveness is according to the Bible.
Personal experiences and those of friends and acquaintances including church congregations are comparably related with Bible scripture.
“We all want to be forgiving people, but we must have a true understanding of forgiveness,” Ricksecker said.
Withholding forgiveness causes inner bitterness, prevents further relationship with the offended, and is against God’s teaching. Yet, granting forgiveness too early releases the guilty party from any responsibility for the actions.
“If we do not forgive others, how can we expect God to forgive us?” Ricksecker questioned referring to Matthew 6:15.
“So, whatever you wish that others would do to you do also for them. For this is the law of the Prophets,” Ricksecker quoted Matthew 7:12.
He continued relating examples:
“Do you want to be respected? Show respect.”
“Do you want to be loved? Give lovingly.”
“Do you want to be given mercy? Give mercy.”
“Do you want to be heard? Listen to others.”
“Do you want to be forgiven? Show Forgiveness.”
Jesus gives this very deep philosophy to make His point clear, Ricksecker clarified.
“Such a severe example opens up a deeper understanding of how much we are to forgive one another,” Ricksecker said.
While it is difficult to forgive those who committed an offense and continue to deny doing so, the author emphasizes Matthew 18:21-22.
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
“My challenge to you is to recognize your own sins and admit them to another,” Ricksecker said. “Open your heart with compassion to your brothers and sisters in the Lord and assure them that they can have peace of heart.
“My main effort in the book is to show what a heart of true Biblical forgiveness looks like,” Ricksecker said. “Then also emphasize the importance of restoring relationships that were once damaged,”
With a divinity degree from Christian Leaders institute, Spring Lake, Michigan, Ricksecker has published several books. He can be contacted by going to www.ChristianCornerstone.org.
His copyrighted “Illustrating Forgiveness” was published last year by WestBow Press. It is available online and additional information can be obtain from Lindsey Gobel at the Lavidge promotion firm lgobel@Lavidge.com.
Frank J. Buchman
Alta Vista, Kansas