Answer me this question: How can some one forgive another? And what is a SIN?
~ Andrew Baguma, Kasese, Uganda
Thank you for your questions. The first question is, “What is a sin?” In 1 John 3:4, we find that sin is lawlessness, or as the King James translates it, “sin is a transgression of the law.” “The law” would be a reference to God’s law. This implies a deliberate act of law breaking. In 1 John 5:17, we read that “all unrighteousness is sin.” Righteousness is the doing of what God has commanded; therefore, we find again that sin is breaking God’s commandments.
However, we must also remember that sin may not involve any action on our part. We can also sin by doing nothing. We also sin by not doing what we know we should do (James 4:17). This is one reason why sin is so widespread among mankind, even among Christians. Sometimes we may sin by doing absolutely nothing. Nevertheless, if we know we should be doing good, but refuse to do it, to us it is sin according to James.
We are all caught in sin (Romans 3:23), and if it were not for the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, none would ever be saved (Romans 5:8). This knowledge should cause a constant sense of gratitude for God’s gracious provision of forgiveness.
Your next question is, “How can someone forgive another?” This is a good question. Forgiveness is required of everyone, but it is not easy to do. Jesus stated that if we do not forgive others, then Jesus will not forgive us either (Matthew 6:14-15). Jesus demonstrated forgiveness by his prayer on the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). True forgiveness occurs when the injured party resolves that he will no longer hold the word or action against the person who committed it. That does not necessarily mean that we completely forget about it. It is often impossible to forget it completely, but it does mean that you do not hold it against him and will not bring it up again, even if he does the same thing again. We know that is what God does for us. That can be rather difficult to do.
Forgiveness obviously begins with the attitude of our heart. When someone sins against us, that sin is his problem with God. Our attitude towards it is our problem. It is not up to us to condemn, punish or take revenge against him. That is God’s business. That is what Jesus was doing in his prayer on the cross. He was turning it all over to God. Only by having complete faith and trust in God can we really forgive another. In forgiveness, we turn the matter over to God for His care. Vengeance belongs to God, and He will one day take vengeance on one if his sins have not been covered by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews. 10:30).
