First Baptist Church of Bay

 

Forgiveness is not always as easy as it sounds. Forgiveness can be so hard that we just don't want to forgive at times. All too often, there is a Pharisee in us that insists on being self-righteous because it is easy to forget how dependent we are on God's grace and mercy.

 

There is risk in forgiveness because the ground rules must change. We must move from suspicion to trust, from conflict to cooperation and from anger to love. Revenge can never be a part of forgiveness because we cannot give the pain back. It is important to realize when we forgive that we are not letting something slide by as that would be destructive. In forgiving, we are doing something that is both healthy and creative. We are changed from being angry, revengeful, judgmental and perhaps petty into someone who is able to have a new and productive relationship. The other person is changed because he or she is not constantly motivated by guilt and is not road blocked by the past. So, now the relationship has changed! We can now face a new future together - one that is worth moving forward to!

 

What is our problem with forgiveness? Do we not pray, "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us?" We must always remember that we can never have an enemy if we are unwilling to be one. Forgiveness is man's greatest need and God's greatest gift. May the Lord truly bless you and yours today!