Who knew that my baby sis would have the last name Grace years before she would realize the part it would so generously play in her life. I look back today and am witness to the hand of God all over her journey. The four members of my birth family are a great part of the inspiration for this blog. But, that baby of the family… her life, though troubled a good part of it, ended splendidly with dignity and, yes…Grace.
As young girls, my sisters tested our parents sorely. I was terrified to disobey. My mom chased me with fly swatters and a hairbrush for my sassy mouth! Made a believer out of me for sure. At some point, society deemed that type punishment was inappropriate. That is when things started to go south, as they say.
They would be the first to say that some of their choices led to great sadness and difficult times in their lives. They would also quickly tell you, that the choice to accept Jesus and hold on to him, though it seemed their prayers were not being answered and things were extremely difficult, was their greatest triumph in life.
No matter our choices. No matter how far we stray. No matter how many people will need to forgive us, when we come back into the sheepfold. Jesus, is standing there, arms wide open. His blood and grace flowing over the door posts that are our lives.
Have you hurt someone to the degree you feel they cannot forgive you? Ask for forgiveness from them anyhow. Has someone hurt you so severely that you have determined forgiveness shall not be theirs? Not from you at least! Forgive them anyway. The minute you do, your life will alter forever. The key to the cell will turn in the lock that has kept you a prisoner of bitterness and anger. You will walk free.
Several weeks before my sisters surgery and passing, two people whom she called friends, hurt her terribly. They were stressed over her medical situation to. I made my normal morning phone call and she was sobbing and trying to tell me what had happened. Things were said, that in light of the illness she was enduring, caught her off guard. This big sister was ready to drive ninety miles to vindicate her. She would not allow me to do that. Her words to me, “Jesus has forgiven me so much. When I calm down and spend time in prayer, I will be able to do the same.” And she did. My oh my… thank you God for her witness to me.
Scripture for Today:
Matt 6:14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)
Col 3: 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another, if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)
Acts 7:59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (NIV)
Matt 18:21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven time?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Prayer for Today:
Hello Father! We humbly kneel before you, asking forgiveness for those times we have withheld that very thing from others. Thank you for sending your Son to die for our sins. He stands ready to forgive us daily. Father, enable us to see others through the forgiving eyes of Jesus. In His Holy Name we pray. Amen.
Forgiveness is one of the hardest things!! But one of the most important things we as a Christian must do! Not only to forgive others that have hurt us but to ask God to forgive me as I fall short of the glory of God Daily! I ask him to forgive me!
Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive your trespasses.
Deann,
Thank you for stopping by.
Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to give but so freeing when it is. Jesus has forgiven us and wants that same grace to flow from us to others. My baby sis, Pam and I both experienced what forgiveness can do when we let go and forgave our precious dad. We were free to love him and be with him the last year of his life. A time that will never be forgotten.
Forgiveness is a paradox. When we find the courage to forgive the one who has hurt us, no matter whether they accept our apology or not, the ball, as they say, is in their court. The burden has shifted from our shoulders to theirs. And the release, the freedom is ours.
Easy to write; difficult to do. But sometimes it is even more difficult to forgive ourselves.