Forgiveness Is Not Always Easy
Sometimes forgiveness does not come easy for me. I am prone to think that I have a right to be angry and hold on to my anger. I may also expect someone to ask for my forgiveness, which may not happen, before I am willing to forgive. Yet, Christ instructs me to forgive.
When I take a moment to fully contemplate and comprehend the forgiveness that I have been given, it helps me to be able to forgive. I would be lost if it were not for the forgiveness of my sins. I have missed the mark because I am not able to love God with all my heart, soul, and strength nor am I able to love my neighbor as myself. Christ came to earth to do just that and to ultimately pay the price for my sin. This makes all the difference in the world for I am a poor and miserable sinner in need of a savior. Jesus paid it all.
When I fail to remember this, then I have trouble forgiving and I am prone to resentment and self-righteousness.
This is exactly what Jesus addresses in Matthew 18: 21-35 in the parable of the unforgiving servant. The master had forgiven the servant of a rather large debt. Yet, when someone who owed him a lesser amount came to him, he was unwilling to forgive the debt owed. The unforgiving servant was not grateful for nor did he fully comprehend what he had been forgiven. Therefore, the master sent the unforgiving servant to jail till he could pay his debt.
Gratitude is Crucial
Stopping first to think of what I have been forgiven and being grateful will make forgiving easier. I am often forgetful that I have been forgiven a great debt. With the Lord’s help, I aim to do better. I shall be forever grateful for my forgiveness.
Another resource for scriptures on forgiveness, 12 Bible Verses About Forgiveness
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