We’re fond of simplifying the act of forgiveness. Forgive and forget, we say. But is it really that simple? What is it to forgive? And does the act of forgiveness actually mean we can simply forget the transgression, whether our own or one against us?
The hard truth is, it takes active work to truly forgive yourself and others. That’s the premise behind Swedenborg’s framework on forgiveness in the Bible. Ultimately, forgiveness is a process from repentance and self-reflection to a true desire to forgive, and, subsequently, alter our actions, we are able to forgive. Through this process, we grow closer to God, and as He is able to forgive us, so should we be able to forgive others, and ourselves.
Swedenborg on Forgiveness in the Bible
Emanuel Swedenborg’s framework on forgiveness in the Bible is deeply rooted in his broader spiritual teachings, which emphasize the interconnectedness of divine love, human repentance, and spiritual growth. Forgiveness of sins is not about the sins being pushed aside or ignored – the “forget” portion of “forgive and forget”-- but rather about their removal and separation.
This suggests that the transgressors or sins of an individual remain; their deeds are not erased, but they are separated from the individual through a process of regeneration. To understand this, it’s important to dig deeper into the process of forgiveness itself.
Repentance and Forgiveness
According to Swedenborgian teachings, before forgiveness, there must first be repentance. Repentance, according to Swedenborg, consists of examining oneself, recognizing and acknowledging one's sins, praying, and starting a new life, or at least a life in which an individual seeks to not repeat past mistakes.
It’s essential, of course, to understand that repentance and forgiveness are deeply connected. Forgiveness doesn’t come out of thin air, but instead requires deep internal reflection and acceptance of either one’s own actions or the actions of another. Seeking understanding is a major step. Without genuine repentance, which is not just a superficial acknowledgment of wrongdoing, there is no opportunity for the inner transformation that true forgiveness requires.
If we make it more practical, consider the expression, “Actions speak louder than words.” This is, essentially, the epitome of the Swedenborgian belief of repentance. It involves a sincere change of heart and a commitment to making actionable adjustments in accordance with repenting, not just asking for forgiveness. Through these acts, one may receive divine forgiveness.
For this reason, Swedenborgian churches encourage the exploration of repentance, which involves reflecting on oneself, recognizing your sins, and praying. While this may seem simple in theory, it takes time, and effort, to examine your behaviors and continuously make adjustments in order for new behaviors to cement themselves.
Divine Forgiveness
Although divine forgiveness is always present, Swedenborg emphasized that it can only be truly received by those who repent. Repentance and divine forgiveness, in this way, are inextricably combined. This process of repentance is crucial because it prepares the individual to receive God’s forgiveness. Without repentance, a person remains spiritually closed off, unable to fully experience the cleansing and healing that divine forgiveness offers.
Human Forgiveness
The final portion of Swedenborg’s framework is human forgiveness. Human forgiveness is the act of pardoning someone for wrongdoing or an offense they have committed against you. This is an essential expression of love and charity.
Human forgiveness requires letting go of feelings of resentment, anger, or desire for revenge toward the person who has wronged you. This is a conscious and deliberate decision to release negative emotions and move towards reconciliation or peace within oneself. It doesn’t necessarily mean condoning or excusing the behavior, but rather choosing to release the negative emotions associated with the offense.
When a person repents—acknowledging their own faults and seeking to change—they develop a greater capacity to understand and empathize with others, making it easier to forgive. True forgiveness, in Swedenborg’s view, requires a recognition of one’s own need for forgiveness. When we are aware of our own shortcomings and the forgiveness we require from God, we are more inclined to forgive others with compassion and humility.
At its core, forgiveness is a process of spiritual healing. In Swedenborgian teachings, there is a direct relationship between how we forgive others and how we receive God’s forgiveness. In fact, Swedenborg often referenced the Lord’s Prayer, particularly the phrase, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
This suggests that not only are divine forgiveness and human forgiveness interconnected, but also that empathy and understanding are crucial components. Healing is not just about being absolved of guilt but also about individual spiritual growth and well-being as well as growing them closer to God.
Passages on Forgiveness in the Bible
Swedenborg’s teaching on forgiveness provides strong guidance for how we can reflect inward to show forgiveness outward. This guidance, ultimately, allows us to take Swedenborg’s teachings and apply them in our daily lives. Before considering how we can turn Swedenborgian teachings into actions, let's first examine three passages, representative of the prominence of forgiveness in the Bible.
- Ephesians 4:32 - One of the most well-known passages on forgiveness is found in Ephesians 4:32, which says, "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you." This verse highlights the idea that as believers, we are called to forgive others just as God has forgiven us through Christ.
- Matthew 18:21-22 - In this passage, Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?" To this, Jesus responds, "I don't tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven." This exchange highlights the importance of forgiveness and the limitless nature of divine forgiveness. This teaching underscores the idea that forgiveness should be extended generously and without restriction, mirroring the boundless forgiveness and mercy that God offers to all.
- Colossians 3:13 - In Colossians 3:13, Paul says, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This demonstrates the connection drawn by Swedenborg between both human and divine forgiveness and suggests that, in our being able to forgive one another, we are, in essence, closer to God.
Overall, forgiveness in the Bible is portrayed as a fundamental aspect of Christian faith, reflecting God's mercy and grace towards humanity. This serves as an example for us as well, demonstrating how we, as people, can grow closer to the divine by taking lessons from Him and emulating this behavior in our own interactions. Forgiveness is a way to release anger, resentment, and bitterness, promoting reconciliation and healing in our relationships.
Applying Swedenborg’s Lessons on Forgiveness
Swedenborg teaches us that the act of forgiveness is a process, and a lengthy one at that. In fact, with divine forgiveness, this process is continuous. God will always forgive your actions, but it is up to you to take that forgiveness, repent, and adjust your behaviors to achieve human forgiveness.
And, if God is able to forgive us, then we should be able to forgive each other.
Personal Reflection
The first component of forgiveness, as mentioned, is taking time to search inwardly. Whether it’s acknowledging our wrongdoings within ourselves, or even taking the time to write a physical list of our transgressions, this personal reflection is imperative for forgiveness. We must, of course, first confront where we have wronged ourselves and others. Taking stock is a good place to start.
While God may have an understanding of your actions, it’s important for individuals to examine their own choices, the impact and potential consequences, and reflect on their intentions.
Through self-reflection, individuals can identify the areas in their lives where they have fallen short, harmed others, or acted against their values. Not only does this deep self-reflection help individuals to understand the root causes of their actions and behaviors, but it also allows people to take stock and clear space for spiritual growth. .
Practical Steps
Sometimes, getting started is the hardest part. So, here’s a great list to help take some of the weight of repentance and forgiveness off of your shoulders, which offers some practical steps to practice forgiveness:
- Daily Reflection - Begin by looking inward to examine your thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Ask yourself why you feel hurt or angry and whether there are deeper issues at play.
- Acknowledge Resentments - Identify the trigger of your resentments, whether it’s another person or a circumstance. Name the trigger, the person, the circumstance, and the wound. Then, consciously decide to release any lingering bitterness or desire for revenge. Holding onto negative emotions only harms you and blocks spiritual growth.
- Engage in Prayer - Create a personal forgiveness prayer or use a traditional one that resonates with you. This prayer can be a way to express your desire to forgive and to ask for divine assistance in doing so.
- Practice Mindfulness - Use mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, 10 minutes of daily calm, or meditation to stay grounded in the present moment. This helps to prevent dwelling on past hurts or anxieties about the future. By staying present, you can approach the situation with a clearer mind and more balanced emotions, making forgiveness easier.
The Role of Forgiveness in Spiritual Growth
By engaging in active repentance, prayer, and adjusting our behaviors, we can set ourselves on the path toward spiritual growth. The process of forgiving others is deeply connected to an individual’s spiritual journey, as it mirrors the unconditional forgiveness that God continuously offers.
By practicing forgiveness, a person not only releases negative emotions like anger and resentment but also opens their heart to the transformative power of divine love.
Swedenborg notes that harboring resentments creates spiritual blockages that hinder the ability to receive and fully experience God’s love and wisdom. These blockages, in turn, can lead to spiritual stagnation, preventing growth and keeping a person trapped in negative cycles.
Conversely, when an individual chooses to forgive, they are actively participating in their own spiritual healing. This act of forgiveness cleanses the soul, allowing divine light to enter and promote inner peace, compassion, and understanding.
Moreover, forgiveness is an essential expression of charity, which is central to the concept of spiritual life. Charity, or love for one’s neighbor, is a fundamental virtue that leads to spiritual enlightenment and closer connections with God.
By forgiving others, we are able to embody this virtue, aligning ourselves more closely with God’s will and progressing on our own spiritual paths. In this way, forgiveness is not just a one-time act but an ongoing practice that fosters continuous spiritual growth, deepening connections with the divine and enhancing our ability to live a life rooted in love and compassion.
Forgiveness may come easily to some, but it can be quite challenging for others. So, no matter where you are on your journey of repentance and forgiveness, NewChurch Live is here to provide you with guidance. Our community is always available through daily reminders to engage in a few minutes of calm or regular online services to reflect inwardly so that we may extend forgiveness outwardly. We’d love to connect with you as you embark on your spiritual journey!
