Living the Gospel of Forgiveness

Matthew F. Leighty
Executive Director

In a conversation several years ago with Ted Kober, former president and now senior ambassador emeritus of Ambassadors of Reconciliation, he shared something that has stuck with me. Based on research at that time, one of the biggest regrets people express near the end of life isn’t unfinished goals—it’s unreconciled relationships.

Ted's ministry helped many Lutherans live out the Gospel through confession, forgiveness, and restoration. Just as Joseph forgave his brothers, and as Christ forgives us, we are called to extend that same grace — before it's too late. This grace is clearly shown in Genesis 50:20 (ESV), when Joseph tells his brothers, who betrayed him: "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." His words reveal a heart transformed by faith in God's plan. He doesn't deny the hurt or injustice but acknowledges it while also recognizing a higher plan: God's work is evident even through betrayal. At that moment, Joseph chose forgiveness, responding to suffering with faith instead of bitterness — trusting in God's mercy to heal the deepest wounds. 

Forgiveness is one of the most difficult — and most important — actions we are called to as Christians. It asks us to release those who have wounded us, to trust that God can redeem what was broken, and to believe that His grace is greater than our pain. In a world that often encourages holding grudges and seeking justice on our own terms, the Gospel offers a different path: one of mercy, reconciliation, and hope. A modern echo of Joseph's forgiveness can be seen in the story of Anita Smith. In 2013, her husband Ronnie was tragically killed while serving as a teacher in Libya. Just days after his death, Anita publicly forgave his killers, saying, "Jesus calls me to forgive you, and even Ronnie would have wanted that." Her words, spoken in a culture where retribution is expected, reflected a radical trust in God's grace. Years later, she acknowledged that forgiveness in not a one-time act but a journey of grief, obedience, and faith. Her story reminds us that forgiveness is trusting that God understands and redeems even our deepest wounds.

Forgiveness is never easy. It’s choosing to release the debt. It’s trusting that God can redeem what was broken, and it’s believing that we, too, are welcomed by a God who forgives.

Joseph’s story reminds us that forgiveness is God’s work. He had every reason to hold a grudge. His brothers betrayed him, sold him into slavery, and left him for dead. Yet when they stood before him years later, vulnerable and afraid, Joseph didn’t seek revenge. He offered grace. He saw God’s hand in the pain, and chose mercy over bitterness.

Joseph’s forgiveness points us to Jesus. Betrayed by one of His own, abandoned by His friends, and crucified by those He came to save, Jesus responded not with wrath but with love. “Father, forgive them,” He said. And in that moment, the greatest act of forgiveness the world has ever known was poured out.

As we age, we carry many memories—some joyful and some painful. We remember words spoken in anger, relationships strained, and regrets that linger. But the Gospel invites us to release those burdens. Forgiveness enables us to see how God can use even the most difficult chapters for good.

Charlotte Elliott understood this. In her quiet suffering, she wrote “Just as I Am, Without One Plea” not as a hymn for the strong, but as a lifeline for the weary. She came to Christ with nothing but need — and found everything in His grace. Her words have comforted countless people, reminding us that we are accepted, loved, and forgiven.

As we focus this month on the theme of forgiveness, Joseph’s story shows us how grace can transform betrayal into healing, Anita Smith’s witness reveals how Jesus’ calling gives us the strength to forgive, and Charlotte Elliott’s hymn gives voice to the soul’s longing for our Savior. Together, they reflect the heart of the Gospel — that God meets us in our brokenness and welcomes us just as we are. This message is at the core of the vital ministry of Worship Anew, which continues to proclaim Christ’s love to those who need it most — especially the homebound, the hurting, and the hopeful. May we, too, be messengers of that grace, living out the Gospel through forgiveness, compassion, and hope.

Gracious Lord, Thank You for meeting us just as we are — wounded, weary, and in need of grace. Thank You for the forgiveness You have poured out through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to forgive as we have been forgiven, to release what weighs us down, and to trust that even in our pain, You are working for good. May Your Holy Spirit guide us to be people of peace, reconciliation, and hope. And may the message of Your mercy continue to comfort and strengthen us in every season of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Just as I Am, Without One Plea”

Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood
can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am; Thy love unknown
Has broken ev’ry barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.