I forgot Valentines Day! She waited until evening, but then finally said, “Happy Valentines Day, honey!” I had no excuse. There were plenty of reminders: “Should we go out to eat or to a movie for Valentines Day next week?” and “Wouldn’t that make a good gift for Valentines Day?” I forgot Valentines Day and would suffer the consequences.
That was five years ago. She has forgiven me, I think. But I still hear reminders about the year I forgot Valentines Day. I won’t make that mistake again.
Some mistakes can even put our closest relationships in jeopardy. Have you been forsaken by a close friend? Is your connection to parents or children strained? Does your marriage have forbidden subjects, subjects that only reopen old wounds? Forgiveness was offered, but the hurt feelings don’t just disappear. To forgive and forget is what you want, but sometimes the hurt is so deep that after forgiving you still remember.
A friend once told me that every time I hurt or offend anyone I also offend God. With the strain my mistakes have placed on other relationships, what hope exists for a good relationship with God? If forgiveness from friends is uncertain, how can I hope for God’s forgiveness?
Don’t judge God by human standards! “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8). The forgiveness won by Jesus’ death on the cross is different. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Jeremiah 31:34). Through Jesus God forgives and God forgets!
Remember February 14th, and remember April 14th too – that’s Good Friday this year. On that day we remember the full extent of God’s love and forgiveness as we remember how Jesus won full and complete forgiveness! Please join us in the weeks ahead as we walk with Jesus on the road to the cross on Good Friday. We invite you to our church to rejoice with us in the happy knowledge that in Christ God really does forgive AND forget.
