What I mean is that giving people second chances completely goes against my human nature. I am under the impression that extending grace is unwise - it just opens me up to the possibility that the offender might hurt me again. And that's a pretty safe bet, given that none of my friends or family members are perfect.
But Jesus wants us to not only give second chances, but third and fourth and seventy seventh chances as well.
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.But we are completely unable to muster up this kind of grace-giving ability ourselves. This type of forgiving spirit is supernatural. It is only when God graciously gives us the ability to show grace to others that we become genuine, Biblical forgivers.
Matthew 18:21-22
And make no mistake about it - the ability to truly forgive is a gift. Just think about someone you know who lives a bitter existence. I am willing to bet it is because someone hurt them, and they are not willing to forgive the culprit. That's where God steps in and gives them a gift that can remove all the bitterness that's consuming them. He gives them the ability to extend grace.
It is then up to the offended to decide what to do with that gift. They can either accept it and pay grace forward, or they can refuse the gift and remain bitter and hurt.
What are you doing with the gift?
Share
6 comments:
"But we are completely unable to muster up this kind of grace-giving ability ourselves. This type of forgiving spirit is supernatural. It is only when God graciously gives us the ability to show grace to others that we become genuine, Biblical forgivers. "
how right you are, my friend!
This is so simply stated and so truly stated that I want to suggest that you are a teacher and a writer...nuff said
Well said, Kelly.
Sometimes it can be SO HARD to give up my perceived "right" to withhold forgiveness from another...but you are so right -- we are, without question, called to a Christ-like level of grace, mercy and forgiveness. It's greater (and far better) than what feels "natural" to our human nature.
A couple years ago I had a close friend who hurt me deeply. Just yesterday he called me up and sincerely apologized. I authentically never thought that day would come...but it did.
Honestly there was a part of me that wanted to say, "Sorry, dude...but don't you think this is kind of "too little, too late?" I mean, shouldn't you have come to me about this LONG before now?"
But truly, where's God's love in that?? Thank God He didn't feel that way about me!
Thanks for spewing more exceptional stuff, Kelly. I love it! More, more! Keep spewing! :-)
by the way, hope you don't mind... I submitted this post to http://www.revelife.com
;)
Thanks, Heather! Let me know how it turns out for me ;)
Hey there Ms Kelly!! I hear you're in my sis' Sunday school... I really love you're thought here. Have you ever heard that Brandon Heath song - "I'm not Who I Was?" Well, there's a line in there... the best thing about grace is the chance to give it out... or something like that. I'm pretty sure your words have encouraged me to listen to it as I fall asleep tonight. Can't wait to read more. :o)
Post a Comment