In Christ, I have The Grace to Forgive
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Grace is an undeserved gift from God that you cannot earn through acts of service or works. It’s not only what made your salvation possible, it’s what gives you the strength to offer that same unmerited favor to others.
Through grace you received something you didn’t deserve but desperately needed, freedom from the penalty of your sins. It’s by that same grace that you can forgive someone when they don’t ask for it, don’t deserve it and don’t earn it, because you know that your sin debt against God was just as great or greater than theirs is against you.
Forgiveness is a process, not a one-time event and it’s only through Christ in you, that you will have sufficient grace to forgive not only others, but yourself, as many times as it takes. Each time you forgive, you’ll be reminded of the immeasurable love of God, who in His mercy, forgave your sins and removed them as far as the east is from the west.
The Bible tells of a woman who loved much because she was forgiven much. Are you like that woman? Loving God through your willingness to obey His command to forgive others?
It also tells of a woman who, according to the law, deserved to be stoned for her sins, but through grace was spared as her accusers dropped their stones and walked away. Are you willing to drop the stones you hold, that are aimed at those who have sinned against you, remembering that you too are a sinner?
Holding onto unforgiveness not only prevents you from making things right with others, it can also keep you from experiencing full fellowship with God. Forgive as you have been forgiven.