Love is the Vehicle of Forgiveness

“Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ” Ephesians 4:32

We forgive who we love. The depth of one’s love for the source of an offense determines how fast the offense is forgiven. If the love runs deep for an offender, we are likely to forgive a matter even if deeply wounded. Even though, it may take time depending on the offense. However, when love is absent, mercy never makes it to the discussion table. Therefore, it is not uncommon when we forgive someone because of love while others who commit the same offense we condemn with no thought of mercy. Without a doubt, it is love that enables us to forgive even the most heinous wrong toward us. Without love, forgiveness becomes nonexistent. If we are honest with ourselves, we would agree we all are beneficiaries of God’s forgiveness on a daily basis. In John 3:16, we learn of the extent God took to restore mankind back to Himself. He loves the world so much that He offered His only begotten Son as a sacrifice to die in our place for our sins. God’s sacrifice validates as well as teaches that forgiveness is deeply rooted in love. In fact, forgiveness is an expression of love. In the act of God’s sacrifice, not only do we see God’s love for us but we see God the Son’s love for God the Father. The Father sacrifices His Son for the love of the world and the Son sacrifices His life for the love of the Father. As illustrated by God the Father and God the Son, forgiveness is not without a sacrifice of love but a sacrifice of love is not easily given but its impact once given exhibits wonders.