“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.” Eph 1:7-8

There is a sentiment in our culture that legitimizes grudges and rations or even withholds forgiveness.  It’s a relative sentiment, as there is no clear standard as to what can be forgiven versus what cannot.  Some may even view the offense to be so great that it would be a crime against themselves even to consider the option to forgive.  If we ever find ourselves tempted to adapt such a disposition, then let’s take a brief moment to reflect upon a different perspective.

The term “lavish” implies that a wealth of resource is available.  If one were to take an inventory of how much mercy God has dispensed upon His offender, “lavish” would be an understatement.  Let’s not forget that once we stood guilty of an eternal offense against an eternal God.  Oh, what a marvelous thought when we reflect upon God’s “richness” in forgiving the sinner by letting His Son to die in our place!

What more is that God’s offer of forgiveness is too big to be limited to just the initial moment in the life of the Christian.  God did not simply forgive us when we first turned to him; but, He is faithful to forgive us again, even as we find ourselves falling prey to any former and new sins.  Otherwise, what a contradiction it is for the Bible to tell us to confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, if there is no need for it once we begin to follow Christ (1 John 1:9). It is not enough that we remember that God once forgave us.  An even better reminder is when we pray daily and ask Him to forgive us for attitudes and actions contrary to His will.

Forgiveness is a benefit that we reap because of the Gospel.  But, we must go even further, because there is an even greater benefit – God now gives us the right to forgive others.  Through the means of God’s grace, the forgiven now also has the privilege to forgive others.  This is not something that is humanly possible.  God’s Holy Spirit not only enables us to experience forgiveness, but also empowers us to express it in a way that only God can.

In light of God’s grand mercy, how could the Christian restrain himself from expressing just fraction of it?  It is naturally expected to forgive others when God’s forgiveness is experienced first-hand. (Matt. 18:35)  The Christian has not been given any legitimate exception to withhold forgiveness.  On the contrary, he is called to imitate God.  And, being “lavish” to forgive others is a prime example of modeling God.