SIVAN 8
Forgiveness
“and forgive us our offenses as we also have forgiven those who have
offended us.” (Mat 6:12 HRB)
Forgiveness is such a vital element in our relationship with our
Creator for the simple reason that if there is no forgiveness, there is no relationship. This is one of the underlying themes of the
entire Torah: there must be forgiveness, not only between Elohim and ourselves, but
also between us and our fellow man (see Mat 6:14-15; 18:21-35). If our horizontal affairs are in hot water,
there will be no vertical relationship. None,
not happening.
The entire sacrificial system found throughout the pages of Torah is
based not only on forgiveness, but also on the concept of restitution and
reparation, something our Messiah also taught (see verses from Matthew already
listed). Many are the references
throughout Torah that specify restitution must
be made when an offense has been committed between a man and his neighbor (see
Ex 21:33-36; Ex 22; Lev 6:2-7); simply asking for forgiveness is not enough. It is unfortunate that so many of us have
been taught through the westernized church system that when we know we have
done something wrong, all we need to do is ask for forgiveness, and everything
is then “hunkey-dorey”. Again, not
happening.
Please notice the words from our opening verse: “forgiven those who have offended us.”
Forgiveness cannot be given until it is asked for, and according to
Torah, this can only take place after
the restitution and reparation have been made.
It is only then that the
wrong-doer’s offering is acceptable to Elohim, and forgiveness from the Father
is given.
Is staying in right relationship with my Creator a priority for
me? Perhaps I am in need of an open and
honest look inward, with the help of the Ruach
HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit), examining all of those associations that are at
best strained, if not completely fallen by the wayside. Is there something that I myself am at fault
with concerning these other people? Is
there someone that I should go to and seek restoration, and even, if necessary,
make a form of restitution, or reparation?
Only as I stand, receiving the forgiveness from the one I have wronged,
can I receive the forgiveness that the Father has for me.
There is nothing mentioned in the Amidah concerning the need for
forgiveness from others, or even offering forgiveness to those who have wronged
us. Truthfully, this is not surprising,
as the entirety of Torah is filled with instructions on how to “love your
neighbor as yourself” (Lev 19:18). There
is a section asking for forgiveness from our Elohim; this could certainly be
tailored for individual use, bringing before the Father those transgressions we
know that we have done. Recognition of what we have done is always the first step toward
restoration, with our neighbor, and with our Creator.
“Forgive us, O our Father, for we have sinned; pardon us, O
our King, for we have transgressed; for you pardon and forgive. Blessed are you, O Lord, who is merciful and
always ready to forgive.”[1]
©2021
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