A Christmas Series: The Gift of Forgiveness

When we think of Christmas gifts, our thoughts ponder what to buy that family member who has everything. Or, the person who is particular in their taste. Perhaps we wonder what treasures lay under the tree for us.

Over the next 3 weeks until Christmas, we are embarking on a series about gifts. These are not the typical gifts we imagine at Christmastime. Yet, each gift offers some of the most glorious things in life. 

We begin with the gift of forgiveness. And to be gut-honest, my tendency is to only see it as a gift when I receive it. Because forgiveness is a difficult present to hand out. Especially if the hurt runs deep and the offense cuts into our soul.

Starting in my childhood, a person has inflicted injury upon injury to my heart. Even threatening the unthinkable just two years ago, and causing a recent emotional wounding.

Still, God gave me the power and ability to truly and fully forgive her. Although our relationship remains in a less than whole state. And her patterns of behavior haven’t changed. I am living in wholeness and walking in freedom by giving her this gift. 

Why? Refusing to forgive places us behind bars—imprisoning our hearts and shackling our souls. Forgiving unlocks the prison cell, making us free!

Refusing to forgive places us behind bars—imprisoning our hearts and shackling our souls. Forgiving unlocks the prison cell, making us free! #forgiveness #gift Share on X

Sometimes forgiveness neither restores a relationship nor is the best or healthy result. But it restores us.

However, this gift comes with a warning label: Offering it with a limited warranty or an expiration date renders it unacceptable.

Gift Description

Let’s look closer at our gift through these definitions and wisdom.

(1.) “To cease to feel resentment against (an offender): PARDON: forgive one’s enemies” (Merriam-Webster).

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