THE GRACE OF FORGIVENESS

“Romans 12:1-2 (ESV) says: I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Mature Christ-followers combine a growing relationship with Christ with a growing likeness to Him, which includes outward actions that result from inner qualities (the Holy Spirit in action)

While our faith tells us just to trust Christ and be like Him, we are sometimes conflicted by the following:

•Why should we forgive people who have wronged us?
• Am I wrong to not forgive or want to get even (or even get ahead)?
•Is repentance without suffering just?
•Can we really forgive and not forget?
•Where is the secret of forgiveness found?
•What part does love play in forgiveness?
•Does an inability to forgive stymie spiritual growth? Does it inhibit relationships?
• Why is forgiving so hard?

When we struggle with these questions, we shouldn’t rely on our own minds to resolve them. We should pray to God the Father, through Jesus Christ the Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our prayers should be consistent and persistent. Our prayers should also be fervent. Our prayers should be specific. Don’t make prayer your last option, but instead view it as your most important option. Christ has given us the model to use within His Word. Our desire to become like Him can only be somewhat fulfilled by practicing
the disciplines outlined by Him. When we follow His instructions, we find His grace is sufficient.

“Where the grace of God is missed, bitterness is born. But where the grace of God is embraced, forgiveness flourishes. The longer we walk in the garden, the more likely we are to smell like flowers. The more we immerse ourselves in grace, the more likely we are to give grace.”

In the Grip of Grace – Max Lucado