Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope

Guest (Male): Welcome to Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope. And here we are with another edition of Dear Joni. That's right. We've heard from so many of you listener friends who have a question that just keeps coming up. For example, many of you want to know Joni's thoughts on forgiveness.

Joni, there are listeners like Pam who have a big problem with this. I know scripture requires us to forgive, says Pam, but there are so many people with whom I struggle to forgive. They are people I dislike, I'm disappointed with their choices, or I feel hurt by them. Joni, I hope you'll decide to speak on that subject soon. Thank you very much. That's from Pam.

Joni Eareckson Tada: Well, we are going to speak on it soon, aren't we? Today, let's do it. And Pam, first let me guess. I just bet you want to be like Jesus. I'm supposing you're a young Christian woman who wants to know Christ better and how you can delight Him. Well, Pam, if Jesus walked up to you as you sit at your desk today, you'd probably drop to your knees, thank Him for dying on the cross for you, and then you might ask, "Jesus, what can I do to really, really please you?"

In this imaginary situation, Jesus could give so many different answers. But knowing that there's resentment burning in your heart, Jesus might say, "Pam, if you want to please me or be like me or know me, then forgive those people with whom you struggle. It's no mistake that I placed them in your life, because through them, I am testing you." And then Jesus might reach for that Bible on your desk and He might flip to Matthew 6 and read His own words to you recorded in verses 14 and 15, where it says, "If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

So, Pam, if you have received God's forgiveness, you will become a forgiving person. If you are indeed a Christian, you are not allowed to keep score or fault others or remain at your distance. Jesus says in Luke chapter 6, "Forgive and you will be forgiven." So take time to think about Jesus on His cross, yet saying to those who crucified Him, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing." Right there, Jesus modeled the forgiving spirit that He commands.

Sure, the Christian life is hard, Pam, but the gospel requires a lot of things we don't naturally want to do, and forgiveness is not merely a suggestion so that you can have harmonious relationships. No, forgiveness is the necessary evidence that you know Jesus Christ. So here's what I suggest. Start praying that God will give you the want-to to want to forgive those who have hurt or disappointed you. Ask God to give you the heart of Jesus toward them.

It may be God wants to use you as the vessel through whom He can reach them with His love. And Pam, should you want to learn more, write us here at the ministry, because we'd love to pray for you and for those friends. Shauna, I'm sorry I went on so here, but Pam's question really gripped me.

Shauna: Well, Joni, I think a lot of us needed to hear those insights. As you said, forgiveness is not optional. It's the expected response from those who name Christ as their Lord and Savior. As far as our time together goes, let's pick up our other questions from listeners very soon. Listening friends, tune in next time to hear from Joni. And Pam, thank you for asking about forgiveness. We invite you to learn more on that subject at joniradio.org.