“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32.

In this life we all fall short sometimes and definitely need forgiveness.  God in His lovingkindness and mercifulness faithfully forgives us when we seek Him in true repentance. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

Likewise, the bible teaches us, that just as we receive forgiveness from our Heavenly Father, we must also have compassion for others. Matthew 6:12 states: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” and as life would have it sometimes, there are those who transgress against us over and over again!

But listen to the words of Jesus to the apostle Peter when he inquired about how many times to forgive his brother who had sin against him; “Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven time: but, Until seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:22.

That is similar to us telling someone “I have told you a million times!” you don’t literally mean a million times. Jesus was saying do not keep score just keep on forgiving. “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23.

Forgiveness is a heart matter. It takes human compassion and the love of God to forgive those who have hurt or wronged us in some way without holding a grudge; however, if we choose not to show the same grace and mercy that we receive, we sin and will reap the consequences. “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:15.

No, it is not easy to forgive when we have been hurt; but how many of us have sweated great drops of blood or have been crucified on a cross for the sins of the entire world- nobody but Jesus!

So, if by chance you want to feel sorry for yourself and have a somebody did me wrong party…look to the cross! “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” Hebrews 12:3-4.

The Holy Spirit is able to give us the grace that we need to live in righteousness. (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Ephesians 5:9-10.

It’s called grace for grace…. God so lovingly gives us His amazing grace and we too by His power must extend that grace to others. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32. May God help us to live peaceably with all men.

“I don’t forgive people because I am weak; I forgive them because I am strong enough to accept the fact that we all make mistakes.” Unknown.

God blessings and peace be with us all.