Grace and Peace

Yet, forgiveness is not an optional part of the Christian life.  It is part of the very fiber of what it means to be a Christian.  If we are going to follow Jesus, we must forgive.  We have no other choice.  And we must forgive as God has forgiven us—freely, completely, graciously, totally.  The miracle we have received is the miracle we pass on to others.

I believe the difficulty we experience in forgiving comes in part from failing to appreciate how much we have been forgiven.  The best incentive to forgive is to remember how much God has already forgiven you.  Think of how He has forgiven and covered your sins.  Think of the punishment you have been spared because of God’s grace.  Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that's why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little (Luke 7:47 Holman Christian Standard Bible).”

Why not thank God today for His forgiveness and exercise that very Christian grace toward someone who has hurt you.  Who knows; a little forgiveness might just redeem that relationship.  And even if it doesn't, you will be following in the footsteps of Jesus.