Quick to forgive

As, therefore, God’s picked representatives of the new humanity, purified and beloved of God himself, be merciful in action, kindly in heart, humble in mind. Accept life, and be most patient and tolerant with one another, always ready to forgive if you have a difference with anyone. Forgive as freely as the Lord has forgiven you. And, above everything else, be truly loving, for love is the golden chain of all the virtues. – Colossians 3: 13

One thing that came to my attention when I was researching the Lord’s Prayer was the daily need for forgiveness, both for myself and for others. It made me stop and think about how often I sincerely ask the Lord for forgiveness and how quickly I offer it to others. Sadly it has not been daily nor quickly.

In my studies I came across a story of a man who told another man, “You’re too quick to forgive.” The man was mystified at the comment wondering how a follower of Jesus – who in His most excruciating moment said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing,” – could say such a thing.

I found that I want forgiveness and I want it quickly, but I tend to hold grudges and hurts longer than I should. The passage above tells me to always be ready to forgive as freely as the Lord has forgiven me. Unforgiveness is a burden that we are not suppose to carry and it keeps us from being effective representatives of the God who forgives us.

Using the Daily Bread pages in the Royal Records journal has helped me to be more mindful of my daily need for forgiveness. Seeking daily forgiveness from God helps me to stay close to Him, not desiring for anything to come between us. It has also helped me to forgive the offenses of others more quickly. Instead of holding a grudge, a heart of forgiveness will love their enemies, bless those who curse them, do good to those who hate them, and pray for those who spitefully use them and persecute them. That is what sets us apart as children of God – Daughters of The King.

Father, thank you for the instant forgiveness You give me and I pray that I will do the same for others. I pray that nothing will come between us and that I can see others as You see them. In Jesus’ name, amen.