Earlier this month, I was so sick I couldn’t do anything all weekend. I hated it because I had promised a friend we would go to the movies, but it could not be helped. My friend was less than understanding. I felt awful when we argued over the canceled plans, and I didn’t know if our friendship would survive.
I have invested a lot into this friendship, including the gift of a stained glass painting I did myself. Plus, I hate to hold grudges. I struggled though, because I really felt like my boundaries had been crossed.
I prayed that God would help in the situation. The next week, we were both able to forgive each other and move on. I hate that this argument happened, but it’s a good reminder that we can all change and grow as we forgive.
As I think about forgiveness, I am reminded of the most important reason to forgive: because I have been forgiven myself. Thinking back on my life, I can see so many things I have done wrong, times I have carelessly hurt others. Add to that all the years I shut Jesus out, and I have a lot of regrets. I know that I have forgiveness in Jesus, and it’s in looking back at these things that I remember my reason for forgiving others.
Dear Father, thank you for how you have forgiven me. Thank you that as I accept this forgiveness, I have reason to forgive others in return. Thank you, Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Throughout this day: How can you respond to God’s forgiveness by forgiving others today?
Here is a song about forgiveness you might want to listen to today:
Matthew West - Forgiveness (Lyric Video)
Photo Credit: John Cardamone on Unsplash