forgiveness

We humans give each other many opportunities to practice forgiveness.  Since sin entered the world with Adam and Eve, forgiveness has been a necessary part of life.  We were created by God for relationship and therefore, forgiveness is needed to reconcile us to God and to each other. 

I have longed for "thick skin" my entire life.  My feelings are easily hurt, many times unintentionally.  I often find myself in a position of choice...hold on to hurt and live in the past or forgive and walk into the future.  The Bible is very clear about which choice is the right one.

Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.  Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.  Colossians 3:13

If you forgive those who sin against you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you.  But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.  Matthew 6:14-15

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.  Ephesians 4:31-32

But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too.  Mark 11:25

Some of us have deep wounds and ugly scars from circumstances and situations in the past that we carry with us every day.  It is time for forgiveness!  It is time for healing!  It is time to let go and walk into the future.  It might not be easy.  Carrying those hurts around becomes habit, and in a strange way, familiar and comforting. But that isn't God's best for us.  He wants us to be whole, healed, and complete so that we can love Him and other people with full hearts.  He sent His Only Son to be the sacrifice for our sins; to offer us forgiveness and reconciliation.  We certainly don't deserve it, but God gives us forgiveness in spite of ourselves and tells us to do the same with each other.

Be quick to ask for forgiveness.  And be quick to give forgiveness.  Life is too short to waste time with grudges and severed relationships.  I am choosing forgiveness.  Will you?