Hey, Terry Tuinder here. Today, we are busting forgiveness myth number ten: Forgiveness is free.
In one sense, forgiveness is free — it is a gift from God that none of us could ever earn. But in another very real sense, forgiveness costs more than anything has ever cost. It cost Jesus everything. Understanding what forgiveness truly costs can transform the way we both receive it and extend it to others.
Forgiveness Cost Jesus His Closest Friends
On the night Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, every one of His disciples fled. The Bible records "all the disciples left Him and fled" (Matthew 26:56, NASB95). The men He had poured three years of His life into abandoned Him in His darkest hour. Forgiveness cost Jesus the fellowship of His closest friends.
Forgiveness Cost Jesus a Loyal Companion
One of His twelve disciples, Judas, sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver — the price of a slave. He was betrayed with a kiss, by someone Jesus had chosen and loved. Forgiveness cost Jesus betrayal at the hands of a friend He had welcomed to His table.
Forgiveness Cost Jesus His Most Passionate Follower
Peter had declared, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You." Yet before the rooster crowed, Peter denied Jesus three times. Peter went out and wept bitterly. Forgiveness cost Jesus denial by the one who had pledged the greatest loyalty.
Forgiveness Cost Jesus Justice
Jesus was given an unjust trial. Pilate himself declared that no guilt was found in Him. Yet under pressure, he handed Jesus over to be crucified. Forgiveness cost Jesus justice. He was condemned as innocent.
Forgiveness Cost Jesus Acceptance by His Own People
When Pilate gave the crowd a choice between releasing Jesus or Barabbas — a criminal — they shouted for Barabbas. His own people rejected Him. As Isaiah 53:3 (NASB95) foretold, He was "despised and forsaken of men." Forgiveness cost Jesus the acceptance of the very people He came to save.
Forgiveness Cost Jesus His Dignity
The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and pressed it into His head. They put a purple robe on Him in mockery, struck Him, spat on Him, and bowed in cruel jest. Forgiveness cost Jesus His dignity.
Forgiveness Cost Jesus the Bearing of Our Sin and God's Wrath
On the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the full weight of every sin ever committed. He who knew no sin became sin on our behalf (2 Corinthians 5:21, NASB95). Isaiah 53:4-5 (NASB95) tells us, "Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried... He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities." He bore the full weight of God's wrath against sin so that we would never have to face it.
The most devastating cost of all: on the cross, Jesus cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" The Son of God — who had existed in perfect, eternal fellowship with the Father — experienced separation so that we could be brought near.
What This Means for Us
When someone tells you that forgiveness is cheap or easy, remember the cross. Forgiveness is free to you — but it was purchased at the highest possible price. And when it feels impossible to forgive someone who has hurt you, remember that Jesus, who paid all of that cost, still chose to forgive. He even prayed from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34, NASB95).
If He could forgive from that place, He can give you the grace to forgive from yours. Forgiveness is not truly free. But because of Jesus, it is available. Receive it freely — and because you have received it, freely give it.
A Prayer
Lord Jesus, when I think of what forgiveness truly cost You, I am humbled. Thank You for paying the price I could never pay. Help me to never take Your forgiveness for granted. And when I struggle to forgive others, remind me of the cross. Give me the grace to freely give what has been so freely — and so dearly — given to me. In Your name, Amen.
Have a great day, and God bless!