Forgiveness: New Life With God

I don’t know how many of you have had the chance to see the musical, Hamilton, or if you are familiar with the story as it is told by playwright, Lin-Manuel Miranda. I was blessed to receive a ticket for a July performance in Des Moines as a Christmas present this past December.

At one point in the story, Hamilton’s wife, Eliza, learns through a public declaration by her husband that he had an affair. It is devastating to say the least. Shortly after that, their son is killed in a duel that Alexander knew was going to take place, but Eliza did not. I can’t even imagine how trying that must have been for Eliza and the marriage.

I’m writing about Hamilton not because it is my favorite musical to date (although it is!) or because of the evil that was done by Alexander and the person who shot his son (although evil is always a timely topic for churches to discuss, explore, and confront). I’m sharing this story because of what happened to me during one amazing scene where Eliza forgives Alexander.

In the middle of a very somber song (It’s Quiet Uptown) about the couple dealing with the “unimaginable”, the lyrics pivot. Eliza takes Alexander’s hand and finally forgives him. We aren’t told why. We just know she does. I sat there in the Des Moines Performing Arts Center feeling crushed and thinking, “I don’t know that I could do that.” At the same time, I was struck with a heart wrenching theological conundrum. We are told that we are to forgive as our father in heaven has forgiven us…the unimaginable for so many of us. Why would Eliza do this? Why would any of us do this?

In times of great discomfort we need to hold onto the fact that Jesus tells us to trust in God because we can trust God’s love and goodness. God is faithful. God knows we will deal with difficult trials, horrible pain, and fear in our lives.

Most of us have experienced those things either personally, as a congregation, or both. I am convinced that God designed forgiveness to release us from the captivity of our circumstances that can often block us from walking freely with God the way he intended us to do. It is for our own spiritual growth and wellbeing.

When we forgive, we don’t necessarily forget, but we do find it easier to move forward with our lives, to do the good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

When we walk freely with God, we also become a witness to those around us in our homes, schools, places of work, etc. to the grace and mercy of God. We are able to share in God’s life-giving plan for everyone, as the body of Christ in the world.

And when we struggle and still can’t forgive, we can ask God to help us forgive. Because, ultimately, it is he who forgives perfectly. What an amazing gift to be given, receive, and share. It’s almost unimaginable!