There is an English idiom that comes from early history on the Eastern Seaboard, although the precise origin is not known. One of the primary purposes of a hatchet in those days was to be a weapon. When there were territorial squabbles or even wars that were brought to an end, there would sometimes be a ceremony to “bury the hatchet.” So the weapon was buried as a symbol of the decision among warring parties to make peace. Such an action in history usually did not come easily since warring parties would have to decide that hurts, offenses, and real losses during the conflict had to be put aside for the sake of making peace.
Biblical forgiveness goes even further. Christ died for the unjust and sinners when He had done nothing deserving of punishment. In a sense, he let the hatchet slay him, and we were the ones that used it against him. Then, he freely offers forgiveness to us without reservation. He literally makes the hatchet disappear for those who call out to him. It is not just buried; it is washed away and dissolved. Then he has the right to tell those who call upon his name to forgive others. His forgiveness is so thorough as it works in us that we are called to forgive completely and repeatedly as necessary. Therein lies a key secret of his life in us. He gave his life for us, so we can love each other the same way. He forgave us completely, so we can forgive others. Oh my goodness! If we would but yield to him on these points as situations confront us, because it will set us free.
A person came to me just recently who was desperate to know how to get past arguments with a spouse. At the same time, mine was about to die. While it was a trying time, our hearts were free toward each other. I did not hesitate to tell him what I have written in this piece. Linda and I forgave each other many times, and the act of forgiving kept us clean toward each other, even in the midst of hardship, trials, and disagreements. So, in a biblical sense, brothers and sisters who have called upon him and call him “Lord,” bury the hatchet.
Matthew 18 says this:
21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
The verses that follow emphasize the same point and illustrate how important forgiveness toward our brother is.
