From Matthew 6:14-15 / Forgiveness isn’t a simple matter. Nor is the whole of it unpacked here. But here are some considerations. Note first in context, that this need for forgiveness of others is directly connected to being led out of temptation. For nothing kills the true spirit of prayer than a hard heart toward others while we are seeking God’s tenderheartedness toward us. Such is the heart of hypocrisy. Second, law cannot forgive, law can only mete out justice. At times it may pardon, but it cannot forgive, because forgiveness is personal. By the same token forgiveness does not automatically relieve from penalty. Pardon is unmerited, but may also be personal and/or disinterested personally, yet is linked to the exercise of authority. Thus in true reconciliation all of these elements are needed. Two parties may pardoned one another but still not reconciled. But in forgiveness, personal reconciliation is the goal. And in absolute justice, a declaration of innocence is indispensable. In Christ, all of these are met. He takes our sin and we His righteousness. The Father personally forgives. In His sovereign authority He pardons. And in grace He imputes righteousness that we may be rewarded. Third, we must be aware that God does not forgive at the expense of justice, and thus He does not require us to do more than that and forgive without regard to justice either. When He forgives, He does so on the basis of the atonement made in Christ where justice is meted out in full. So it is, when we forgive, we give up our right to prosecute the matter on our own behalf, surrendering the justice needed into the hands of the Father. We do not deny justice altogether but willingly suffer a particular loss in treating the individual as no longer an offender, while committing justice into the Father’s hands. Yet, while forgiving sets aside any personal vengeance, it does not ignore what might be needed in loving our neighbors as ourselves and protecting them, and, if needed, getting the authorities involved. Forgiveness only has reference to my right and requirement to be made whole in the aftermath of being sinned against. Fourth, note too, that some offenses are purely personal – and others have several dimensions to to them. Some offenses cross over into crimes and are sins against the State or others as well. I have no right to usurp the State’s, nor anyone else’s authority and forgive on either’s behalf. The offender may well still need to face that reality beyond my sphere of forgiveness. Overstating forgiveness is as dangerous as understating it. I must forgive when it is in my power and within my sphere, but I cannot and must not usurp that issue on behalf of any other entity. I can only forgive for myself alone. And I do so, committing it all to the Father’s just disposal. On the cross, Jesus can forgive His tormentors for Himself, but note how He prays that the Father would forgive them. For He cannot overstep in the issue of His Father’s offense. This, He appeals to the Father for. And when we forgive, we do well to follow suit. Fifth, note too how Jesus cannot and will not usurp the Spirit’s own sphere and pretend to forgive blasphemy against Him. Lastly, note how there is a difference between forgiveness in restoring relationship, vs. simple offenses from strangers where there is no relationship to restore. And how it is Christ does all of this in regard to our sins against Him.