We have a shredder; one at home and a really big one here at church. You need one. It’s great to protect your identity! It’s also great for shredding illegitimate charges. Bills that you have already paid. Charges that are duplicate. It’s really irritating when a corporation or a municipality tries to collect a debt that has already been taken care of. Has that ever happened to you? No? I would wager to guess it has.
We sometimes fail to recognize that anything we hold against anyone is considered a debt they owe us. If we “forgive” someone (even “just” vertically) and are continually being bugged by the bill collector, I humbly suggest that we haven’t yet really focused on what occurred. If we forgave them we released that debt; tore it up, covered it up with Jesus’ blood and grace. So if it comes back to us, it’s just like an “overdue” bill that I know I’ve paid. It should go into the shredder and or, even better, into the kindling box by the fireplace, and never get another thought!
“Scott, that’s easy for you to say; but you don’t understand how badly he/she/they hurt me!!!”
“You are right, I don’t, but I know a Guy 🕇”
The Hebrew word nasa and the Greek word aphiemi both literally mean “to release” or “let go” and are both translated “forgive.” The other Hebrew (Old Testament) word most often translated “forgive” is Kipper or atone (cover with blood). The other Greek (New Testament) word is Charizomai (“grace” as a verb).
Dictionary of New Testament Theology
I did neglect one word that is used in the OT, the word is “Azazel.” It’s one of two goats used on the Day of Atonement. The first is sacrificed. The second, the “scapegoat”, is sent out into the wilderness after the sins of all the people are confessed onto its head (Leviticus 16:21-22). The wilderness of course would make a goat disappear completely, just like the sins of the people (Matthew 27:11-26; cf. Hebrews 13:12-13).
Pray for me, as I pray for you,
Pastor Scott
Grace Notes 