Do I Have to Forgive a Dead Person?

I received this question today in my inbox: "Do I have to Forgive a Dead Person?"  

I always appreciate a great and honest question.  Here are my thoughts on forgiveness...

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In short, yes, there is never an instance where we (believers in Christ) are given permission not to forgive - regardless of where the other person(s) are.

We must forgive others so that the enemy cannot take advantage of us (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).

We are told to get rid of all bitterness, which is forgiveness in our hearts (Ephesians 4:31-32).

These are some things that I have learned about forgiveness recently:

1) just like the movie "frozen" to forgive means literally (in the Greek) "to let Go."  

2) Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, but rather choosing not to hold something against someone and giving it to God for action.

3) Forgiveness is choice from the heart.  So, I never ask God to "help me forgive,"
 but rather thank God that I can forgive any sin and any person because God is in the business of forgiveness and he LIVES inside me!  I rejoice that I have everything required to be able to forgive the most egregious of sins and circumstances.  I can even forgive dead people and people who are unreachable.

4) Forgiveness is setting a captive free only to realize that I was the captive.

5) Forgiveness is agreeing to live with the consequences of someone else's choices.

6) Forgiveness takes place in my heart, so physical interaction is not necessary (although desirable and required for reconciliation).

7) Forgiveness precedes reconciliation, but does not guarantee it.

8) Forgiveness is "letting go" of my "right" to get even and I find peace in knowing that God has it "for action."  

9) Forgiveness means I don't have to wait until I "feel like forgiving" because I am simply called to do what God wants; namely, to let go of bitterness because Jesus paid for it all.

10) Forgiveness means I can walk in freedom that Christ has for me.  Freedom from bitterness and resentment.  

11) Forgiveness means I can now pray, "bless them, change me.  bless them, heal me.  bless them, use me..."

My friend, may the Lord heal your broken heart and make you more aware that you posses all that you need to be able to forgive your father and demonstrate the loving/forgiving heart of God.

In Christ,

RBAR