Uncommon Grace{In Forgiveness}

Ephesians 1:7; Nehemiah 9:17; Luke 6:37-42; Hebrews 12:15

 

 

Forgiveness is hard. Especially when you are wronged and the offending party doesn't ask for forgiveness. How can forgive then? How can we forgive ever, for that matter?

 

Jesus.

 

Jesus and His abundant grace He has poured out on us allows us to extend forgiveness to others, whether they ask or not.

 

Ephesians 1:7-8 says "In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight."

 

He has lavished grace upon us, forgiving our sins, which enables us to forgive others. In fact, we are called to forgive others just as He forgives us!

 

Luke 6:37 says "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven."

 

As you read farther into Luke 6, we see that we are called to forgive others, treat others how we wish to be treated, so that we can also receive forgiveness from others. None of us are perfect, we all need grace and forgiveness.

 

If you are in a position to forgive somebody, there obviously has been pain. Sometimes deep pain. And you may not know how you can ever forgive that person, that hurt.

 

But, I'm telling you, you can! And you must! For your own well being, you must! When we are unforgiving, we open the door wide open to bitterness. Unforgiveness and bitterness only hurt you.

 

Hebrews 12:15 says "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled."

 

This is where God's grace, and abiding in Him, allows us to do things we never thought possible. It will take time and intentionality on your part to forgive others, especially when they haven't asked for forgiveness, but through Christ you can do it.

 

I know. I've done this myself.

 

The pain won't go away when you extend forgiveness, but freedom and healing from the pain begin immediately!

 

Give your burdens, your hurt, your pain to Him. Let Him heal you and give you the grace to forgive others, just as you have been forgiven.