Grace Found in Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is evidence of a heart transformed by God’s grace. We forgive because we have been forgiven completely by Christ. It is a daily and intentional choice by “putting on” the new self, which reflects Christ’s character. At the foundation of the Christian faith, it is a core principle of holiness.

Think back on a time when forgiveness was offered and you knew you were completely unworthy of it. It represented Jesus so well and showed tremendous grace. Only forgiveness frees us from the injustice of others.

One of my favorite missionary stories is a beautiful example of forgiveness lived out in real life. In 1956, Elisabeth Elliot’s husband was killed by the Auca tribe in Ecuador while trying to share the gospel. Instead of being filled with anger or bitterness, she chose to forgive. Only two years later, she chose to live among the tribe that had killed her husband, and shared the message of God’s love. The people were radically transformed by God’s grace and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. She entrusted justice to God and chose to love and forgive.

True forgiveness is Christ living through us. Offering forgiveness to others is a reflection of Jesus and shows his love in a very personal way, not just to us but to the one receiving forgiveness and those watching. As Christian musician Matthew West’s song says: “It’s the hardest thing to give away, … and it always seems to go to those who don’t deserve it.” When we trust God with our pain and choose to give to others what he has given us, we are choosing freedom over bitterness. Just as Jesus forgave us, let us put on our “new self” and walk in the same grace as he did, forgiving others as he has forgiven us.

Lord, thank you for dying on the cross and forgiving us of our sins. Help me to put off the old self and teach me to forgive others as freely as you have forgiven me. We do not deserve your grace found in forgiveness, but humbly walk in it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Throughout this day: listen to the inspirational song by Matthew West, Forgiveness