Forgiveness is hard.

We take hurts to heart.

It is personal.

Sometimes it is about us.

Sometimes it is about someone we love.

How many times have I held onto hurt for the sake of being right?

“He should be the one to apologize.”

How many times have I thought this is the one thing I cannot forgive?

“I don’t know if I can ever forgive her for what she did.”

Maybe we feel justified in being angry and holding on to the bitterness that seeps into our souls.

If we left it up to our own feelings and emotions, many of us might choose not to forgive.

But there was this man…..

A man who chose not to hold onto the hurt.

A man who chose grace instead of bitterness.

A man who was blameless and right, and forgave before an apology came.

“Jesus said, Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

He would have been justified in His anger, but chose gentleness instead.

The same gentleness that He wants us to choose.

“Make allowances for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.  Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”  Colossians 3:13

Even when we feel like it is something we cannot forgive, we are called to show grace.

Over and over again.

“Then Peter came to Him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times? “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” Matthew 18: 21-22

Forgiveness is hard.

But not as hard as the sacrifice that was made for us on the cross.

No matter how many times we have to forgive others, it will never come close to the price that was paid for us on that cross.

How many times has He forgiven us?

Our heavenly Father is full of grace.

“He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His son and forgave our sins.”  Ephesians 1:7

Father God, help us to always forgive each other as you have forgiven us.

Thank You for Your unending grace and love for each of us.

Amen.