November 3, Day 3 in our quest to not only think about the things that we are grateful for, but to express that gratitude to God and others. (Ive actually been thinking about this one, since yesterdays post.) Today, I am overwhelming grateful for the gift of forgiveness. That wonderful gift that comes to us when we wake up and realize that we havent just blown it, but weve made a major league, stupid decision or done something that has hurt others and usually ourselves, not to mention broken our Fathers heart. I dont know about those of you who are reading this, but Ive had too many times in my life where Ive made a major league mess of things. Its in those times that I am most aware of and grateful for Gods forgiveness. But, the gift of forgiveness goes beyond Gods ability to forgive us. To me the real miracle is when people weve lied to, stolen from, taken advantage of, or hurt deeply choose to forgive. (For those of you whove had occasions when Ive been the bone head hurting you, I am grateful for that gift.) Additionally, Im grateful that God has created us in such a way that we ourselves are able to forgive those whom have hurt us, releasing them from the debt they owed and the anger, bitterness and resentment that comes along with the offence. All these things, the forgiveness of a loving Father, the grace to be forgiven by other and to forgive when needed, make it somehow possible to forgive ourselves when we are the cause of pain and suffering to others and often ourselves. Jesus, tied this all together and taught this lesson in two simple sentences found in Matthew 6 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. So for today, I am grateful one thing that has 3 parts. I am grateful for forgiveness received and the ability to extend that to others and Im grateful that though it maybe a long process sometime, I am able to forgive myself.
Posted on: Sun, 03 Nov 2013 10:39:31 +0000
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